Halimium

taxobox
name = "Halimium"


image_caption = "Halimium commutatum"
regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Eudicots
unranked_ordo = Rosids
ordo = Malvales
familia = Cistaceae
genus = "Halimium"
genus_authority = (Dunal) Spach
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text|

"Halimium" (rockrose or halimium) is a genus of 12 species of evergreen or semi-evergreen subshrubs in the family Cistaceae, closely related to "Helianthemum". They are native to Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor, with the centre of diversity in the western Mediterranean region.

The leaves are opposite, simple oval, 1-5 cm long and 0.5-2 cm broad, varying from glossy green to tomentose grey-green. The flowers are 1.5-4 cm diameter, with five petals, white or yellow; in some species the flowers are bicoloured with a dark red or brown basal spot on each petal to act as a nectar guide for pollinating insects.

;Selected species
*"Halimium alyssoides"
*"Halimium atriplicifolium"
*"Halimium commutatum"
*"Halimium halimifolium"
*"Halimium lasianthum"
*"Halimium ocymoides"
*"Halimium umbellatum"
*"Halimium verticillatum"
*"Halimium viscosum"

Cultivation and uses

Several "Halimium" species, and the numerous hybrids and cultivars derived from them, are widely grown as ornamental plants, popular in rockeries. A broader range of colours is available among the cultivars.

References

* [http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Halimium&SPECIES_XREF=&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK= Flora Europaea: "Halimium"]