Halimium
Halimium (rockrose, false sun-rose, or halimium) is a genus of 12 species of evergreen or semi-evergreen subshrubs in the family Cistaceae, closely related to Cistus. They are native to Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor, with the centre of diversity in the western Mediterranean region.
| Halimium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Halimium calycinum | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Cistaceae |
| Genus: | Halimium (Dunal) Spach |
| Species | |
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See text | |
The leaves are opposite, simple oval, 1–5 cm long and 0.5–2 cm broad, varying from glossy green to tomentose grey-green. The flowers are 1.5–4 cm diameter, with five petals, white or yellow; in some species the flowers are bicoloured with a dark red or brown basal spot on each petal to act as a nectar guide for pollinating insects.
- Selected species
- Halimium alyssoides
- Halimium atriplicifolium
- Halimium calycinum (syn. H. commutatum)[1]
- Halimium halimifolium
- Halimium lasianthum
- Halimium ocymoides
- Halimium umbellatum
- Halimium verticillatum
- Halimium viscosum
Cultivation and uses
Several Halimium species, and the numerous hybrids and cultivars derived from them, are widely grown as ornamental plants, popular in rockeries. A broader range of colours is available among the cultivars. 'Susan', with bright yellow flowers and a purple centre, has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]
References
- "Halimium calycinum (L) K.Koch". The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2013-04-26.
- "Halimium 'Susan'". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 17 July 2020.