Cistus ladaniferus (Ladaniferus cistus)

Other names: Cistus ladanonos, Ladano, Labdanum, rock rose

Ladano Cist, also known as Ladano Cist, Ladano, Labdanum or Rock Rose, is a unique aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean region. It bears beautiful white flowers with a yellow centre, resembling roses, and belongs to the cist family. This plant has a specific scent of both the flowers and the whole plant. If a resinous drop appears on the leaves, this is a signal that the plant is secreting valuable ladan. It is mainly found in places with rocky ground and a coastal climate, where it is able to withstand both strong winds and high temperatures.

The use of Cistus ladanum is mainly in perfumery and cosmetics, where this plant is popular for its strong aromatic properties. The leaves and branches are used to extract a resin whose fragrant oil is called ladanone. This oil is precious and is mainly used by manufacturers of premium perfumes. It has an intense, oriental balsamic, warm and sweetly woody scent. In addition, ladanone is also included in some skin creams and balms, where it acts as a natural antiseptic and contributes to skin regeneration. In addition to the cosmetic industry, Cist ladanum is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for its medicinal properties.