Cistus albidus, collected by one of our former curators, Ron McBeath is flowering in the border at the alpine area. Seed was collected in Spain from the parent plant growing in an area of limestone rocks in open Pine forest. Found through the western Mediterranean and with its grey felty foliage adapted to hot, direct sunlight. Terminal clusters of flowers, earlier and more prolific this year than previous due to our mild winter and warm, relatively dry, spring. These papery five petalled rose pink flowers have a central mass of golden yellow stamens. Lasting only for the day (hours even under the brightest of sun) they are replaced from the bud cluster opening successively to give a prolonged flowering season. The central boss of yellow flower parts remain for a further day before the sepals close over to obscure them.