Cistus creticus


Cistus creticus is a species of shrubby plant in the family Cistaceae. Though it usually has pink flowers, of 4.5–5 cm diameter, this species is very variable. It is widely known as a decorative plant. It is frequently called "Cistus incanus".

Taxonomy

The name Cistus creticus was first used by Carl Linnaeus in 1762. Confusion exists between this name and one published earlier by Linnaeus, Cistus incanus. As used by many authors, but not Linnaeus, the name "C. incanus" is taken to refer to Cistus creticus, particularly C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus.

Subtaxa

There are also several well-known cultivars, such as 'Lasithi' with compact, rounded flowers.

Phylogeny

Cistus creticus belongs to the clade of species with purple and pink flowers, in a subclade with C. heterophyllus and C. albidus.