Description
Cistus incanus, also known as rockrose, is a Mediterranean shrub that grows mainly on sunny, rocky slopes around the Mediterranean Sea. The plant has grey-green, aromatic leaves and graceful flowers in shades of white or pink, making it a characteristic feature of the Mediterranean landscape.
The leaves are traditionally dried and brewed as an infusion, imparting a warm, full-bodied flavour with earthy undertones and a slight citrus nuance. In Greece and Turkey, cistus has been part of the local tea and herbal culture for centuries and is particularly valued for its natural, aromatic character.
🌿 Botanical background
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Botanical name: Cistus incanus
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Family: Cistaceae
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Growth habit: shrub-like, on dry, stony Mediterranean soils
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Aroma: warm, earthy, slightly citrusy
🌿 Cultural use
In various Mediterranean regions, cistus was traditionally drunk during cold winters or after hard labour, valued for its full, warming herbal flavour. In some regions, it was also used as a fragrant household herb.
