Cistus ladanifer (Cistaceae): a natural resource in Mediterranean-type ecosystems

Cistus ladanifer is a dominant shrub species endemic to the western Mediterranean region. Due to its dominant nature and its potential ecological, aromatic or pharmacological applications, C. ladanifer has been the object of numerous studies. In this review current knowledge on different aspects of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Planta 2018-02, Vol.247 (2), p.289-300
Main Authors: Frazão, David F., Raimundo, Joana R., Domingues, Joana L., Quintela-Sabarís, Celestino, Gonçalves, José C., Delgado, Fernanda
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural land
Agriculture
Allelochemicals
Authenticity
Biodiversity and Ecology
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cistaceae
Cistus
Cistus - chemistry
Cistus - classification
Cistus - genetics
Cistus ladanifer
Ecology
Economics
Ecosystem
Endemic species
Environmental Sciences
Exudation
Forestry
Life Sciences
Mediterranean Region
Mine tailings
Mine wastes
Natural Resources
Pharmacology
Phylogeny
Plant Sciences
REVIEW
Soil contamination
Species
Taxonomy
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Summary:Cistus ladanifer is a dominant shrub species endemic to the western Mediterranean region. Due to its dominant nature and its potential ecological, aromatic or pharmacological applications, C. ladanifer has been the object of numerous studies. In this review current knowledge on different aspects of this species is summarized, from its taxonomy to its chemical characterisation or its competitive traits. There are no doubts about the taxonomic entity of C. ladanifer, although the recognition of infraspecific taxa deserves more attention. Given that the fragrant exudate of C. ladanifer holds a very specific composition, one species specific carotenoid, 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone, derivative is proposed as an authenticity marker for uses of C. ladanifer in pharmacological or aromatic industries. Evidence is also gathered on the extreme adaptation of C. ladanifer to stressful conditions in the Mediterranean region, such as the ability to survive in low hydric and high solar exposition conditions, presistence in poor and contaminated soils, and growth inhibition of several other plants through the release of allelochemicals. Thus, the finding of potential applications for this plant may contribute to enhance the economic dimension of derelict lands, such as mine tailings or poor agricultural Mediterranean areas.
ISSN:0032-0935
1432-2048
DOI:10.1007/s00425-017-2825-2