Ξισταρκά, Λουβιδκιά, Λεούτιν, Λαδανιά, Κλαδίν, Κίστος ο κρητικός υποείδος ο κρητικός
Etymology of Cistus creticus subspecies creticus: The genus name "Cistus" derives from the Ancient Greek "κίστος" [kistos], which in turn comes from "κίσθος" [kisthos]. This is the ancient Greek name of this plant, of unknown etymology; the word is considered a loan from an older dialect or language. "Creticus" means (of the island) "of Crete", where it was initially recorded.
There are at least 8 Cistus kinds in Cyprus including species, subspecies and hybrids.
Cistus creticus subsp. creticus is a very common plant of South Cyprus, as it does not appear in the northern part. It appears up to an altitude of 1700 metres. It grows on the following uncultivated ground: roadsides, rocky places, dry hillsides and open woodland. Cistus creticus subsp. creticus' flowering period is from February until June.
How to identify Cistus creticus subspecies creticus:
Its flowers are pink, as of Cistus parviflorus, but they have two main differences: Creticus has sticky, long, soft, vivid green leaves; one to three flowers on each edge, with a diameter as long as 6cm. Parviflorus has dry, short, hard, faded green-grey leaves; with multiple flowers on each edge.
