CYTINUS RUBER

Family and Genus:- See- CYTINACEAE

Common Names:- Red cytinus.

Homotypic Synonyms:- Cytinus clusii, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. clusii,

Cytinus hypocistis var. kermesinus, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. kermesinus,

Hypocistis hypocistis var. kermesinus Hypocistis kermesina, Hypocistis rubra

Meaning:- Cytinus. Meaning unknown.

Ruber (L) Red, reddish.

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

with fleshy overlapping scales, orange or yellow.

Stem:-

1) Up to 12 cm, rarely longer.

Leaves:-

1) scale-leaves, and bracteoles deep crimson or bright red;

2) Perianth, c.12-15 mm, slightly exceeding the bracteoles, ivory-white or pale pink.

Flowers:-

1) Perianth c. 12-15 mm, slightly exceeding the bracteoles, ivory-white or pale pink.

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 white berries.

Key features:-

1) Perianth, white or pale pink.

2) Fruit, white.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

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

woodland. 0-700 (-1050) m. Parasitic on Cistus creticus.

Distribution:- Widespread across the Mediterranean region and through Anatolia to

georgia. Limited distribution on Crete, not common.

Flowering time:- Apr-May.

Photos by:- Steve Lenton