SafePlants

Cretan Rockrose (Cistus creticus)

The Cretan Rockrose, also known as Rock Rose or Pink Rock Rose, is a shrub belonging to the Cistaceae family. This plant has a rich history, particularly in Crete, where it has been traditionally used.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the use of Rockrose resin for rubbing on aching joints. While not inherently toxic, ingestion by pets could potentially cause digestive upset.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the traditional use of Rockrose resin for rubbing on aching joints. While not inherently toxic, ingestion by children could potentially cause digestive upset.

Quirky Facts

• Historically, the resin from Cretan Rockrose, known as labdanum, has been used in herbal medicine and as a perfume ingredient.
• In Crete, the plant was traditionally used for medicinal purposes, even for aching joints and rheumatic diseases, through rubbing with the rockrose resin.
• It is unique, that Cistus incanus from northern Crete produces the laudanum with traditional way.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cistus creticus L.
• Family: Cistaceae (Rock-rose family)
• Synonyms:
  • C. creticus
  • C. polymorphus
  • C. villosus creticus
  • Cistus incanus L. subsp. creticus (L.) Heywood
  • Cistus incanus subsp creticus syn C creticus
  • C creticus incanus
  • C villosus subsp creticus

Distribution and Habitat

• The Cretan Rockrose is native to the Mediterranean region, including the island of Crete and Southern Europe.
• It is also found in Upper & West Galilee, Lower Galilee & Gilboa, Mnt Carmel & Hasharon.
• Specifically, the European rock rose is native to the Mediterranean and grows profusely on the Greek island of Crete.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cistus creticus (Soft-Hairy Rock Rose) is described as a low, branched, evergreen shrub reaching about a meter in height.
• The leaves are opposite, ovate, and wrinkled.

Traditional uses

• The resin in the leaves known as labdanum was traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a perfume ingredient.
• At the old times in Crete it was very popular herb which was used mainly against even for aching joints and rheumatic diseases by rubbing with rockrose resin.