No images found for this plant ID: 10488.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "10488" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

Montpelier cistus

Scientific Name: Cistus monspeliensis

Family: Cistaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Montpellier Cistus (Cistus monspeliensis)

Cistus monspeliensis, commonly known as Montpellier cistus, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the rockrose family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is an evergreen shrub.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is an evergreen shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cistus monspeliensis L.
  • Common Names: Montpellier cistus, Montpelier rock rose, Narrow leaved cistus (English), Montpellier-Zistrose (German), Ciste de Montpellier (French), Jara negra, Jara de Monpelier, Jara de Montpelier (Spanish).
  • Family: Cistaceae (Rock-rose Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cistus monspeliensis f. typicus Dans.
    • Cistus monspeliensis var. flavescens Briq.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southern Europe and northern Africa.
  • Common in Mallorcan open spaces near wooded areas.
  • Widely distributed in the Mediterranean region.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Evergreen shrub.
  • Bushy growth habit.
  • Dark-green, narrow leaves.
  • Saucer-shaped white flowers.
  • Typically grows to be 30 to 150cm tall.

Ecological Role

  • In fire-prone areas, the heat mechanically ruptures the seeds of Cistus monspeliensis, aiding in its dispersal and germination.

Soil Preferences

  • Can grow in acid soils.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • May host crab spiders (Thomisidae).

Quirky Facts

  • An extract from Montpelier Cistus is used as an ingredient in skincare products.

Further Information

  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): TSN 506898
  • Discover Life