Hairy Rockrose / Graubehaarte Zistrose / Bušin

Description:

The ability of Cistaceae to thrive in many Mediterranean habitats follows from two important ecological properties: mycorrhizal ability and fast renewal after wildfire. Most Cistaceae have the ability to create symbiotic relationship with root fungi of the genus Tuber. In this relationship, the fungus complements the root system in its task of absorbing water and minerals from the soil, and thus allows the host plant to dwell on particularly poor soils. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, simple, usually slightly rough-surfaced, 2–8 cm long.

Habitat:

Wide spread across Mediterranean basin. First photo describes exactly how its habitat looks like: rocky, dry and close to the sea.

Notes:

It is used in products against flies. In a few species of Cistus (notably C. ladanifer), the leaves are coated with a highly aromatic resin called labdanum.