Cistus salvifolius - Sage-leaved Cistus - (Cistaceae)

This is a gorgeous wildflower, and in my opinion, the most beautiful of the cistus species to appear in the Mediterranean region.

/Cistus salvifolius - Sage-leaved Cistus

Sage-leaved Cistus, a member of the Rockrose family (Cistaceae), is one of the commonest of several types of Cistus that occur throughout the Mediterranean Region. The beautiful white flowers can occur singly or in groups of up to four. Unlike other cistus flowers the petals are relatively un-crumpled in appearance. This shrub often forms vast colonies and favours dry, rocky places, maquis and garrigue.

Along with other cistus shrubs, Sage-leaved Cistus, is parasitised by a strange-looking plant called Cytinus hypocistis which appears from mid-April until June around the roots of the bushes.

Other types of cistus to appear in the Mediterranean region include Cistus ladanifer (Gum Cistus) and Cistus albidus (Grey-leaved Cistus)

This specimen was photographed in the Algarve in southern Portugal in May, where the plant flowers from March through until the end of June.