Cistus tauricus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cistus creticus subsp. eriocephalus
• Cistus creticus var. tauricus
• Cistus paui
• Cistus eriocephalus
• Cistus villosus var. mauritanicus
• Cistus ponticus
• Cistus riphienensis
• Cistus creticus var. eriocephalus
• Cistus polymorphus subsp. incanus
• Cistus villosus var. eriocephalus
• Cistus villosus var. tauricus
• Cistus sennenianus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Cistus tauricus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Cistaceae and the genus Cistus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several Mediterranean regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found inhabiting the islands of Corse and Sardegna. Additionally, the species is present within the coastal landscapes of Portugal. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, its range extends into the territory of Albania. Finally, the plant is also documented growing in the country of Bulgaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cistus tauricus is defined by its ability to thrive across diverse and often challenging landscapes, exhibiting a broad environmental tolerance. This species is commonly found inhabiting forest ecosystems, where it can integrate into the understory or transitional zones, as well as rugged mountain terrains characterized by varying elevations and rocky substrates. Additionally, it extends its range to coastal areas, colonizing shores where it must contend with saline influences and sandy or rocky soils. This versatility across forest, mountain, and shore habitats suggests an adaptable life strategy capable of surviving in different microclimates and soil compositions.

Habitat :

forest, mountains, shores

Life history

The life history of Cistus tauricus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy and ecological positioning, it is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent organs are located near or just above the soil surface. This growth habit enables the species to thrive within its specific environmental niches by maintaining a low-profile stature that is well-adapted to its habitat.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cistus tauricus is characterized by a woody growth form, typically manifesting as a shrub. It is an independent plant, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence, lacking aquatic or epiphytic habits. Although it can exhibit various structural tendencies, its primary growth habit is that of a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cistus tauricus is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that is closely tied to the warmer months of the year. The flowering process typically begins in May, marking the onset of its reproductive phase. This period of blooming continues through the early summer, eventually reaching its conclusion in July. While the exact timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions, the reproductive activity is primarily concentrated within this May-to-July window.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cistus tauricus has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 13-epi-Manoyl oxide, BETA-SELINENE, Bulnesol, Cubenene, Ledol.

13-epi-Manoyl oxide

1. Planta medica

BETA-SELINENE

1. Planta medica

Bulnesol

1. Planta medica

Cubenene

1. Planta medica

Ledol

1. Planta medica

Manoyl oxide

1. Planta medica

Viridiflorol

1. Planta medica

alpha copaene

1. Planta medica

Activities

Cistus tauricus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. Planta medica