Cistus salviifolius L.

Spice Flower detail Flowers In the field

Family: CISTACEAE

Genus: Cistus

Catalan common name: Ajocasapes. Botja negra. Estepa borda. Estepa borrera. Estepa negra. Estepera.

Spanish common name: Chocasapos. Jaguarzo morisco. Jaguarzo vaquero. Jara estepa. Jara negra. Juagarza. Tomillo blanco.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

Uses and properties: Medicinal.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Nanophanerophyte.

Habitats: Oakforest. Wild olive trees and other sclerophyllous shrublands. Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata forest. Tree heather maquis and silicolous garigues. Pine woodlands and garriques.

Characteristics: The borrera rockrose has rounded leaves, and dark green in colour, not sticky like those of Cistus monspeliensis, which also has white flowers. Without flowers, this plant can be mistaken for C. creticus, but can be distinguished from this later species during flowering, as this latter rockrose has pink flowers.