Wild Orchids
in the Algarve
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Cistus ladanifer - Gum cistus

From the maquis (areas with shrubs up to 5 metres in height) and well into the hills of Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula Gum cistus flourishes. The flowers have rather crumpled-looking petals, some pure white and others with dark maroon spots and appear from April to June. The sticky, oderous substance which comes from the leaves of the plant is used in the perfume industry.

Gum cistus is a member of the Rockrose family (Cistaceae) and is native to Spain, Portugal, southern France and North West Africa. In other places - Cyprus for example - this plant has been introduced and is now naturalised.

The specimen shown here was photographed in the Algarve in Portugal in March.

Algarve Wildlife

This beautifully illustrated book, details the birds, insects, mamals, amphibians and reptiles as well as wildflowers and fungi to be found in each two-week period through the year. Now available from our Online Bookshop...

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Algarve Wild Orchids

The Algarve's wonderful wild orchids are featured in the First Nature Guide to locating and identifying Wild Orchids in the Algarve. This full-colour book is now available from our Online Bookshop...

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Algarve Wildflowers

Many dozens of beautiful Algarve species are featured in the First Nature introduction to Wildflowers in the Algarve. Copies this and all our other wildflower guides are available from our Online Bookshop...