Gum Cistus

Native to S Europe and N Africa, this genus contains about 20 species of evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs. Cistuses are attractive plants, popular in dry, warm borders and coastal gardens for their short-lived, but showy flowers. The name Cistus comes from the Greek kiste, "box", and refers to the shape of the capsules. Ladanum. or labdanum, is an oleo-resin made from several species of Cistus, including C. albiflorus, C. creticus, C. ladanifer, and C. maculatus. It is the best plant substitute for ambergris from sperm whales and is important in perfume manufacture. The sticky substance is traditionally collected by whipping the bushes, so that the exude adheres to the leather thongs, or, in Crete, by combing it from the hides of sheep and goats with a leather rake, or ladanisterion. Ladanum is now produced in France and Spain.

Evergreen shrub with a stiff, upright habit and sticky, aromatic, linear-lanceolate leaves, 10cm (4in) long. Solitary, 5-petaled, white flowers, about 7cm (3in) across, with a maroon basal blotch on each petal, appear from early to late summer.

Common Name:	Gum cistus
Botanical Name:	Cistus ladanifer
Genus:	Cistus
Family:	Cistacea
Native Location:	SW Europe to N Africa
Cultivation:	Well-drained, light to poor soil in sun. Cut out dead wood in spring. Cistuses dislike hard pruning and transplanting.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe, or in spring; by softwood or greenwood cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Leaves and twigs are collected in late spring and early summer for use in infusions, and boiled to extract oleo-resin. Oil is steam-distilled commercially from the oleo-resin.
Height:	2-2,5m (6-8ft)
Width:	.5m (5ft)
Hardiness:	Z8-9
Parts Used:	Leaves, oleo-resin, oil.
Properties:	An aromatic, stimulant, expectorant herb that controls bleeding and has anti-biotic effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for excess mucus and diarrhea.
Economic Uses:	Used in Turkey as a fumigant. Important as a fixative in lavender, fern, and chypre perfumes, and as a commercial food flavoring for baked foods, soft drinks, ice cream, and candy.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 170-171