Explore Cistus creticus (Pink rock-rose) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and medicinal and cosmetic uses.
Cistus creticus | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Pink rock-rose, Cretan rock-rose
Family: Cistaceae
Appearance: It has aromatic, sticky leaves covered in glandular hairs and produces bright pink to purple flowers with crinkled petals and a yellow center.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Shrub
Root System: Features a wide-spreading, shallow root
Height: Up to 1 meter
Width: Approximately 1 meter
Lifespan: Typically 10-15 years
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other pollinators
Toxicity: Not known hazards
Cistus creticus | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region (Greece, Turkey, Aegean islands)
Companionship: Often found with Mediterranean shrubs and herbs
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Require cold stratification
Cuttings: Yes
Cistus creticus | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties
Cosmetics: Labdanum extract used in perfumes and creams
Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not typically used for firewood
Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak in its native regions
Fence: Can be used as a barrier plant due to its dense growth
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various small animals and insects
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