CYTINUS HYPOCISTIS

Family and Genus:- See- CYTINACEAE

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- Asarum hypocistis, Hypocistis hypocistis, Thyrsine

hypocistis.

Meaning:- Cytinus. Meaning unknown.

Hypocistis (L) Underneath cistus (the plant on which it is parasitic).

General description:- A low parasitic perennial with no chlorophyll.

Stem:-

1) 3-7 cm, rarely longer.

Leaves:-

1) Scale-leaves, densely imbricate, ovate-oblong, ciliate, yellow, orange or red.

Flowers:-

1) Radially symmetrical, whitish or cream, from 10 to 12 mm diam., joined together

by 5 to 10 in fleshy clusters initially covered in pointed scales of a bright red.

2) Calyx, with 4 petaloid sepals toothed on edges.

3) Male flowers, with 8 stamens forming a central small column and located above

the female flowers which have 1 style.

Fruit:-

1) Fleshy, yellow berries.

Key features:-

1) Perianth, yellow, c. 12 mm, scarcely exceeding the bracteoles.

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Habitat:- Rocky slopes with open dry shrubby vegetation and open coniferous

woodland. 0-700 (-1100) m. Parasitic on Cistus parvflorus and C. salvifolius.

Distribution:- Widespread across the Mediterranean region and Macaronesia, also

in W Anatolia and W Syria. Limited distribution on Crete, not common.

Flowering time:- Apr-May.

Photos by:- Enda McMullen