Cistus villosus
Linn.
Shaggy rock-rose, Cistus mas
wikimedia· cc0
Wikimedia Commons - Matson Collection
wikimedia· cc0
Wikimedia Commons - Matson Collection
Description
An evergreen shrub. It grows 1 m high and spreads 1 m wide. The stems are erect and woody. The leaves are broad and blunt. They are 5 cm long. The flowers are a reddish-purple. They have 5 petals.
Edible Uses
The leaves are used to make tea and as a condiment.
Traditional Uses
The plant is used as a substitute for tea. It is also used as a condiment.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant is used as a substitute for tea.
Distribution
It is best in light to medium, well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.
Where It Grows
Australia, Europe, Greece, Mediterranean*, Spain,
Cultivation
Plants are grown from seeds.
Notes
There are about 20 Cistus species.
References (4)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 78
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 194
- Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 67
- Sp. pl. ed. 2, 1:736. 1762 "pilosus"
