Syn.: Cistus apenninus L., Helianthemum pulverulentum auct., Helianthemum masguindalii Pau, Helianthemum polifolium Mill., Helianthemum farinulentum Lacaita
Family: Cistaceae Juss.
Distribution: Western and southern Europe, northward to southern England, Belgium, western Germany, eastward to Albania and Greece.
Ecology: It grows on rocky and stony slopes, in old quarries. It blooms from April to June.
Description: Dwarf shrubs up to 50 cm tall, branched from the base. Stem ascending to erect; leaves opposite, shortly petiolate, linear to linear-oblong, 8–30 × 2–8 mm, green to grey- or white-tomentose above, densely stellate-hairy to white-tomentose beneath, with revolute margins. Cymes 3–10-flowered; sepals 5, the 3 inner ovate, the 2 outer smaller, 7–10 mm long, pubescent; petals white, with a yellow claw. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: The White Rockrose is protected by law in Germany.
These images were taken in Italy, Gargano, San Marco in Lamis (April 18, 2008).
