Helianthemum canum

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iHelianthemum canum
Helianthemum canum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malvales Family: Cistaceae Genus: Helianthemum Species: H. canum
Binomial name
Helianthemum canum (L.) Baumg.

Helianthemum canum, commonly called Hoary rockrose, is a low growing plant confined to rocky dry calcareous areas especially close to the sea.

The plant typically has a central stock from which numerous branches radiate horizontally or ascending. The small leaves about 10mm long are simple and green above but denseley hairy and grey below.

The bright yellow flowers have 5 petals and 5 sepals in cymes generally with 1 to 6 flowers in each cyme.

[edit] Distribution

It occurs in several areas of Europe including France, Germany, Spain, Sicily and parts of north Africa and the eastern Mediterranean countries. In the British Isles it is very restricted in its distribution and is probably only locally common in parts of western Ireland. Elsewhere it is very local or rare.