Scent Travel Report Spain

Cistus ladaniferus
Rockrose - gentle wild harvesting for true sustainability

Fragrant plant: Spain
Growing region: Andalusia
Special features: The careful wild harvesting of the rockrose guarantees true sustainability: The rockrose chooses its own location; neither pesticides nor fertilizers are needed. The production of rockrose essential oil is an important source of income in economically disadvantaged Andalusia and a livelihood for many families.

All over the world, we at farfalla meet interesting people – that's what makes our work so wonderful and exciting. People who inspire us to continue living our love and passion for plants, sustainability, and natural active ingredients. Malvin Richard from the farfalla management team set out in the hinterland of Seville in search of a promising Spanish plant. The plant in question is known as Cistus, Rock Rose, or Labdanum-Cistus, and it provides us with a potent essential oil.

Exploring the Sierra Norte de Sevilla

I leave Seville via a winding road, heading towards the Sierra Norte de Sevilla National Park, where I intend to visit the wild Cistus ladaniferus shrubs. The Andalusian plains welcome me with their grassy pastures and bushes. It is said that rockrose shrubs prefer rocky, infertile soil and colonize wild, barren landscapes. Nowhere in the world do they thrive better than here in Andalusia, where they have shaped the landscape for centuries.

Enchanted by the fragrance

I'm curious to see what the rockrose looks like, what it smells like in nature. I imagine a rose-like blossom—isn't the name a sign? The winding roads in the midday heat make me so tired that I have to pull over to get some fresh air. As I open the car door, the air, warmed by the intense sunlight, rushes into the vehicle. This air seems rich and heavy, saturated with spicy-sweet notes that initially seem unfamiliar, that my nose can't quite place. The almost narcotic scent practically numbs my senses, so I get out of the car as if mesmerized and set out to find its source. I look for blossoms that I would expect to have such a fragrance. But far and wide, only inconspicuous bushes and shrubs grow. The scent lingers in my nostrils, as does the question of its origin, as I continue my drive towards the national park. In Sierra Norte de Sevilla, Jose greets me; he's expecting me for my rockrose visit.

On the Way of St. James

Without further ado, we set off to find the growing region of our rockrose. It's crossed by the southern section of the Camino de Santiago, the important pilgrimage route from Seville that leads across Europe to Santiago de Compostela. We frequently encounter pilgrims heading north, equipped with walking sticks and burlap sacks. And suddenly, there it is again. The same scent that teased me during my car break, enveloping, intoxicating, and enveloping me once more. Wordlessly, Jose makes it clear that it's the scent of the rockrose that's captivating our noses. But where is this rose-like flowering plant hiding, the one that exudes this sweet, yet spicy and resinous fragrance?

The resin-bearing Spaniard

I'm surprised to discover that the enchanting, warm fragrance is emanating from a rather unassuming bush. One of the unassuming kind, which has been my companion for half the day. So, I've been unknowingly surrounded by rockroses for quite some time now. Only upon closer inspection do I understand: the small, thick leaves of the Cistus ladaniferus shrub practically gleam in the sun. This shine is caused by the resin that the plant secretes as protection against drying out in the Andalusian sun. The resin is already stuck to my trousers and now also to my hands.

Bleating harvest workers

In fact, rockrose resin was once obtained in a similar way. The sheep typical of the region spend all day among the rockrose bushes. As they brush against the branches, the resin clings to their wool. After being shorn, the sheep's wool was washed to extract the resin. Today, rockrose oil is extracted by steam distillation of the plant parts. The rockrose earns its name in the spring months when it pushes its crumpled, white blossoms out among the thick green leaves. However, since only the leaves and branches are used for distillation, the pretty flowers play a subordinate role.

Harvesting and steam distillation

In the scorching Andalusian summer, harvesting and distilling the essential oil is hard work. Using a crescent-shaped knife, the young, resin-drenched upper branches of the wild-growing Cistus ladaniferus shrubs are cut. This harvesting method ensures that the shrub's growth is not disturbed and that it can be harvested again the following year. The resinous branches are then taken to the distillery. As the rockrose is distilled in large stainless steel tanks, a delicate, warm fragrance escapes, filling the entire surroundings with its scent.

Cistus essential oil

The essential oil of rockrose has a warm, spicy scent reminiscent of amber. It promotes optimism and positive thoughts, helping those suffering from emotional coldness. Thanks to its warming and harmonizing properties, it is used, among other things, to regulate the autonomic nervous system. It is also considered a first-aid oil for bleeding injuries and is valued for its strong antiviral properties. Problematic skin conditions such as neurodermatitis are also within the scope of rockrose's use. In natural perfumery, the essential oil is primarily used for its fixing properties.

Moisturizing effect on the skin

Anyone wanting to survive the heat and dryness of Andalusia needs a special strategy. The rockrose has developed unique properties – it secretes a resin that acts like a protective shield against dehydration. The essential oil of the rockrose has a similar effect on the skin, restoring valuable moisture.

Siesta and Gazpacho

The sun is now almost directly overhead. Beads of sweat stand out on my forehead, and a paralyzing weariness is settling in. Jose seems to be feeling the same way. Siesta time! In the cool back room of a bodega, a gazpacho andaluz, the traditional cold vegetable soup, awaits us. After this refreshing break, I say goodbye to Jose and the rockroses and head back to Seville, little suspecting that we would meet again that evening. For a few hours later, Jose's surprise awaits me: a table laden with tapas in a typical Sevillian bar, and Jose with a cold cerveza in his hand. As we watch the flamenco dancers, it's the perfect opportunity to philosophize about Andalusian life.