Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cistus L., Sp. Pl. 523-529 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Rock rose
 Description

Aromatic, evergreen shrubs. Lvs opposite, exstipulate; petioles often connate at base. Fls mostly in simple or compound terminal cymes. Bracts often large, sometimes foliose. Petals 5, mostly > 1 cm long, crumpled in bud, white or pink to purplish, often with dark blotch at base. Ovary appearing 5–(10)-locular and placentation appearing axile because of well-developed septae; style short to long; stigma large, 5–10-lobed; ovules on filiform funicles. Capsule usually 5-valved, closely invested by calyx, woody. Embryo circinate.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Cistus L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised4
Exotic: Casual1
Total5
 Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Mabberley, D.J. 2017: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 4. Cambridge University Press.