Helianthemum squamatum

Perennial sub-shrub of the Cistaceae family, native to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France, where it is restricted to gypsum substrates — the gypsums and gypsiferous marls of the arid plains and hills of the interior. It is one of the most specialized species of the genus, strictly gypsophilous, capable of colonizing areas where few other plants establish themselves permanently.

It forms a low and spreading clump, 15 to 30 cm in height, with woody stems at the base, branched and bearing small, oval to lanceolate, gray-green leaves, covered with characteristic whitish scales that earned it its epithet — squamatum meaning "scaly." This scaly covering, visible to the naked eye on the stems and leaves, is the most immediate distinguishing feature of the species.

The flowers are bright yellow, with five petals, modest in size, gathered in loose clusters that follow one another abundantly at the time of flowering. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to June.

In cultivation, it imperatively requires a very well-drained soil, preferably gypsum or calcareous, in full sun, and marked summer drought. It does not tolerate stagnant moisture or heavy soils. A rare and specialized species, it mainly interests botanical collections and xeric gardens with a Mediterranean character.