Savia cistus. Jaguarzo

Description:

The Moorish Jaguarzo (Cistus salvifolius) is an evergreen shrub of the Cistaceae family and has a Mediterranean distribution. It reaches a height of between 30 to 80 cm. It forms an upright or stretched bush, with a multitude of branches. The leaves are simple, opposite, with a short petiole, with an oval blade, more or less sinuous and very rough. The color is green. The flowers are hermaphroditic, solitary or in small groups, arranged on long peduncles; they have 5 green to reddish sepals and 5 white petals, numerous stamens, and a central gynoecium. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule, somewhat tomentose. The seeds are small (1 mm) and cross-linked.

Habitat:

In the pine forest of El Saler, near the Mediterranean Sea. In nature it occurs in all types of soils although it prefers loose, sandy and dry ones, with warm climates. It blooms for 1 month although the flower lasts little more than a day. It is a rustic plant that withstands drought. It needs sunny exposure, loose soil and moderate watering, in bloom. It does not withstand strong frosts.