Cistus, a woody shrub of the Cistaceae family, grows in the Mediterranean basin on poor soil, especially in Spain (Cistus ladaniférus), Syria (Cistus syriacus), Crete (Cstus incarnus ssp creticus) and Cyprus (Cistus cyprius).
Its very fragrant flowers blossom from April to June. Two of its species (Cistus creticus and Cistus monspeliensis) with white and pink flowers, fill the Corsican scrub land with scent which prompted Napoleon to say that he would recognise his island eyes closed by its perfume. Attempts have been made at cultivating it but without convincing results, due to the prohibitive production costs.
Main aromatic molecules: Monoterpenes including α-pinene, terpene alcohols, esters, acetophenones.
Family: Cistaceae.
Producing organs: Leafy twigs.
Yield: 20g of essential oil per 100kg of plants.
Equivalence : 1ml → 34 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).
