Halimium (Dunal) Spach (1836), in the family Cistaceae, contains 9 species from around the Mediterranean. Description Shrubs to 1.5m. The leaves are opposite and evergreen. The flowers are usually in sprays, opening mostly in early summer. Sepals 3 or 5, the outer 2 much smaller than the inner; petals 5, yellow or white, sometimes with a purple blotch. Stamens numerous. Style short or absent, with a capitate stigma. Pollination is by insects. The fruit is a 3-celled capsule with numerous seeds. Key Recognition Features Similar to the more common Cistus but usually with yellow flowers; the white-flowered H. umbellatum (L.) Spach can be recognised by its numerous small flowers, around 1.8cm long, and its 3-celled capsules. Evolution and Relationships The family Cistaceae has 7 genera, mainly around the Mediterranean, with 2 genera, Hudsonia L. and Lechea L., in North America. It is probably related to the Malvaceae, and possibly also to Bixa orellana L. from tropical Central America and Cochlospermum Kunth, both in the family Bixaceae Kunth. Ecology and Geography In rocky and heathery areas, open pine forests, and sandy places on the coast, mainly in the western Mediterranean, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Comment Some species are cultivated for their bright yellow flowers; they are somewhat less hardy than many Cistus. |
