Montpelier rock-rose (Cistus monspeliensis, Sp. Pl.: 524 (1753))

Family: Cistaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 524 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cistus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit.

Description

The Montpelier rock-rose, scientifically known as Cistus monspeliensis, is a delightful flowering plant belonging to the family of Cistaceae. This evergreen shrub is a prominent member of the flora found in the regions of Macaronesia and the Mediterranean. Renowned for its resistance to dry soils and hot climates, it thrives in rocky and sandy environments, often gracing coastal areas and scrublands with its presence.

First described in 1753 by the celebrated botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” the Montpelier rock-rose has garnered appreciation for its hardiness and its ornamental value in natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. The plant typically features long, narrow leaves covered with a sticky glandular texture, reflecting its adaptability to dry conditions by reducing water loss.

The Montpelier rock-rose is most notable for its charming white flowers, which bloom generously in the spring and early summer. The flowers, marked by five delicate petals, are further accentuated by bright yellow stamens at the center, offering not only visual appeal but also attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Adaptability to diverse environmental zones in Macaronesia and the Mediterranean showcases the plant’s resilience and ability to integrate into various ecological niches. Whether adorning rugged cliffs or sandy dunes, Cistus monspeliensis plays a vital role in its native ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and the stability of the habitats it occupies.

Gardeners and botany enthusiasts admire the Montpelier rock-rose for its low-maintenance care and its striking ability to withstand prolonged periods of drought. These characteristics make it a perfect addition to xeriscaped gardens and naturalistic planting schemes, which aim to reduce water usage while maintaining lush, vibrant plant life.

Beyond its horticultural appeal, the Montpelier rock-rose has also been the focus of scientific interest due to its secondary metabolites, which have potential applications in pharmacology and other fields. The exploration of these inherent properties continues to pique the curiosity of researchers committed to uncovering the full potential of plant-based compounds.

In summary, Cistus monspeliensis stands out as an exemplary species, encapsulating the beauty, resilience, and ecological importance of the Montpelier rock-rose. From its humble origins described in the 18th century to its widespread presence in the Mediterranean and Macaronesia today, this plant remains a valuable asset to our natural world and a cherished subject for both scientists and garden lovers alike.

Common Names

Eng: montpelier cistus, montpelier rock-rose, montpellier cistus, narrow-leaved cistus
Deu: montpellier-zistrose
Swe: smalbladig cistros
Fra: ciste de montpellier
Spa: estepa
Ara: irguel
En: Montpelier rock-rose, Montpelier cistus, Montpelier Rock Rose, Rock Rose, Montpellier Cistus, Narrow-leaved Cistus
Ar: قريضة متوسطية, Irguel
Br: Roz-roc’h-Montpelher
Ca: Estepa negra
Co: Muchju biancu
Nl: Smalbladige Cistus
Fi: Kaitakistus
Fr: Ciste de Montpellier
De: Montpellier-Zistrose, Lorbeerlättrude Zistrose
It: Cisto di Montpellier, Muschio, Rembrottine
No: Montpellier-solrose
Oc: Moja negra
Pt: Sargação
Es: Jaguarzo, Estepa, Estepa negra, Jaguarzo negro, Jara negra
Sv: Smalbladig cistros, Lagercistros, Smalbladet Soløjetræ

Synonyms

• Cistus affinis (Bertol. ex Guss.)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. minor (Willk.)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. vulgaris (Willk.)
• Cistus monspeliensis f. flavescens (Briq.)
• Cistus monspeliensis subsp. affinis ((Bertol.) Sennen)
• Cistus valentinus (Pourr. ex Nyman)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. flavescens (Briq.)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. major (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. parviflorus (Sennen)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. affinis ((Bertol.) P.Fourn.)
• Cistus monspeliensis f. typicus (Dans.)
• Cistus monspeliensis subsp. canariensis (Rivas Mart., Martín Osorio & Wildpret)
• Cistus monspeliensis f. affinis ((Bertol.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Cistus collinus (Salisb.)
• Cistus oleifolius (Mill.)
• Stephanocarpus monspeliensis ((L.) Spach)
• Cistus feredjensis (Batt.)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. feredjensis ((Batt.) Batt.)
• Cistus monspeliensis f. albiflorus (Briq.)
• Cistus monspeliensis var. densifolius (Sennen)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 13, 2018 by Jesus Velloso (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Francesc Riudavets (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by elise noel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2005 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2018 by Jesus Velloso (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Ivan Mathias (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Ivan Mathias (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2022 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2019 by Laurent Sarrazin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2017 by Erwan Partaix (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Alexakis Dimitris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Ivan Mathias (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2022 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 20, 2015 by Jean-Francois Julien (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Fresquita Palangana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Francesc Riudavets (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Bart Mous (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2017 by Mané DTP (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by Francoise Boulet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874030)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:168375-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cistus monspeliensis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 4