Cistus
Vanishing Grounds: The Future of Wild Cistus
Cistus—also known as rockrose—is not just another Mediterranean shrub. Native to countries such as Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Greece, this hardy plant stands out for its resilience, its striking white flowers with dark centers, and most notably, its resin: labdanum.
Labdanum remains in demand today across the fragrance and cosmetics industries thanks to its warm, balsamic scent and natural functional properties such as astringency and antiseptic qualities.
Cistus ladanifer thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils and is built to survive—and even benefit from—the extreme heat, drought, and wildfires of Mediterranean landscapes. This hardy shrub has evolved to not only withstand wildfires but to thrive in their aftermath. The plant’s thick, aromatic resin—while flammable—also serves as a protective barrier against dehydration and sun damage. In ecosystems where fire is both a threat and a renewal force, Cistus stands as a symbol of nature’s ability to adapt, recover, and flourish.
Wild harvesting of cistus, done by hand from June to September, remains the primary source of labdanum today. The work is physically demanding but supports a traditional economic model that depends on nature rather than intensive farming. However, the model is under increasing pressure.
Climate change introduces unpredictability in flowering and resin production, complicating long-term management of Cistus. In western Andalusia, the Andévalo region in Huelva province is a key area for wild cistus harvesting. There, large-scale solar farms and expanding orange cultivation are reducing the size of wild landscapes for Cistus to grow. This threatens the continuity of traditional practices that have sustained local communities for generations.
To ensure the long-term viability of the industry, Biolandes—a UEBT member—blends tradition with innovation. Operating in the region since 1988, the company works closely with local communities to harvest and process Cistus responsibly, employing a combination of permanent staff and seasonal workers. Alongside this, Biolandes invests in automation and good agronomic practices to support both healthy ecosystems and local livelihoods. The company is also participating in the modernisation of the sector through collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. As a key partner in the ESjara project (Essential Rockrose Oil for the Development of the Rural Bioeconomy), Biolandes is helping to build a sustainable value chain for Cistus, aimed at producing essential oils while valorizing residues and by-products.
Cistus may be a hardy shrub, but its economic future is far from certain. As rural land grows more valuable for a variety of uses, the balance between development, tradition, and biodiversity will shape whether plants like Cistus continue to remain a vital resource for local communities and a key natural raw material for the beauty sector.
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