a source of the resin ladanum collected by dragging a kind of rake through shrubs (and according to Pliny, goats' beards) and used in scenting soap and deodorants. The resin, used medicinally in former times, from both this and Cistus criticus ssp incanus is also obtained by boiling twigs: resin can then be skimmed from the water surface.

Cistus ladanifer L., Cistaceae. Common Gum Cistus or Ladanum/labdanum. Distribution: Southern Europe and N. Africa. The fragrant resin from the sticky leaves, Gum Labdanum, is extracted and used in Mediterranean regions as an insecticide and deodorant ((Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). Lyte (1578) advises local application to prevent hair loss and cure earache; to remove scars, and on the chest to alleviate coughs. The fumes from leaves burnt on hot coals, were said to cure uterine disorders. Monks collected the resin from the beards and hair of goats which foraged among the plants.