[rok-rohz] 
| 1. | any plant of the genus Cistus or some allied genus, as Helianthemum. |
| 2. | any related plant. |
rock rose
(Cistus), any of a genus of 18 species of low to medium-sized shrubs, in the rock rose family (Cistaceae), native to the Mediterranean region and long known to horticulture. There are a number of garden hybrids useful in warm areas (mostly including C. ladanifer as one of the parents), where they are often grown in rock gardens. The large flowers are single and roselike, in white, pink, or rosy-purple, often with a yellowish or dark blotch at the base of the petals. The foliage is scented, often containing highly flammable resins.
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