White rock-rose (Helianthemum apenninum, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 4 (1768))

Family: Cistaceae

Author: (L.) Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 4 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Helianthemum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & S. Europe to E. Aegean Is.

Description

The White rock-rose, known scientifically as Helianthemum apenninum, is an enchanting plant species that belongs to the Cistaceae family. Its natural habitat spans a wide geographical range, flourishing in regions from Western and Southern Europe to the eastern Aegean Islands. The species was first described and classified in 1768, as noted in the eighth edition of the Gardener’s Dictionary.

The White rock-rose is celebrated for its delicate beauty. The plant typically produces an abundance of small, white flowers that contrast beautifully with its green foliage, creating a striking visual display. These flowers are not only charming but also play a vital role in the local ecosystems by providing a nectar source for various pollinating insects.

This hardy plant is well-adapted to rocky and dry soil conditions, hence its common name. It often thrives in sunny, exposed areas where other plants might struggle to survive. The resilience of the White rock-rose makes it a popular choice for garden enthusiasts who seek to add a touch of elegance to rock gardens or other challenging landscapes.

Furthermore, the White rock-rose is rooted in the Mediterranean flora, well-acclimated to the climate of the regions it inhabits. Its ability to endure drought and poor soil conditions highlights its ecological significance and adaptive prowess. The species’ spread across diverse areas signifies its robustness and the important ecological roles it fulfills, including soil stabilization and providing habitat for local fauna.

In summary, the White rock-rose (Helianthemum apenninum) is not only appreciated for its aesthetic appeal but also for its remarkable adaptability and ecological contributions in its native habitats across Europe and the Aegean Is. Its historical classification by (L.) Mill. underscores its longstanding recognition and value within botanical studies and horticultural circles.

Common Names

Deu: apenninen-sonnenröschen
Eng: white rock-rose
Nld: wit zonneroosje
Cym: cor-rosyn gwyn, cor-rosyn gwyn y mynydd
En: White rock-rose, White Rockrose
Ca: Perdiguera, Heliantem apení
Nl: Wit zonneroosje, Wit Zonnerosje
Eo: Apenina heliantemo
Fi: Valkopäivännouto
Fr: Hélianthème des Apennins, Hélianthème blanc, Herbe à feuilles de polium
De: Apenninen-Sonnenröschen, Weißes Sonnenröschen
It: Eliantemo degli Appennini
Pl: Posłonek apeniński
Es: Heliantemo blanco, Perdiguera blanca
Sv: Vit solvända
Cy: Rhosyn y garreg gwyn

Synonyms

• Helianthemum polifolium var. apenninum ((L.) Nyman)
• Helianthemum variabile var. apenninum ((L.) Steud.)
• Cistus apenninus (L.)
• Helianthemum polifolium subsp. apenninum ((L.) Corb.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 21, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2019 by Sofia Blanco (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 1, 2022 by Valérie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Julian Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by llff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by Maite Orozco (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/9823314)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:168741-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthemum apenninum (L.) Mill.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 1