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Yardsmart: Cistus deserves a fresh look

17.05.12

"Ambergris, a waxy secretion formed in the intestines of sperm whales, is one of the most-sought-after substances in the world."

This description came from a January Bloomberg Businessweek detailing how whale ambergris sells for $20 per gram, just under the $30 per gram for gold.

This odd whale residue was used by ancient Egyptians, who treasured its peculiar fragrance. They obtained it from the legendary perfume trade, though the scarcity and high cost of rare ambergris forced them to look farther afield for alternatives.

There is a plant of the southern Mediterranean called rockrose, but it's not a true rose. Its name was derived from the similarity of its blooms to those of single-flowered wild roses. Due to this confusion with roses, it's best to refer to them simply as members of genus Cistus.

Cistus includes many species of highly drought-resistant shrubs adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Among the most oil-rich is Cistus ladanifer. Its foliage contains a resin that smells quite similar to ambergris. The ancients called this substance "labdanum" or "vegetable ambergris," which can be harvested by anyone who grows such plants. It was first discovered in the hair beards of male goats browsing on Cistus. The beards became sticky with oils picked up when dragged across the foliage.

Source: Daily News Transcript