Dictamnus albus

Found throughout the Italian peninsula (excluding the islands), though always in rare and localised populations, it is a plant of remarkable beauty and easily recognisable. Within the National Park, it can be found at low altitudes, up to 1,300 metres, in arid habitats, particularly sparse woodland and clearings. 

The stems, up to 100 cm tall, are erect and woody at the base, with simple basal leaves, whilst the cauline leaves are imparipinnate, leathery and with finely serrated margins. The flowers have five pink petals, veined with purple; the four upper ones are spatulate and straight, whilst the lower one is narrower and reflexed backwards.

The dittany plant is commonly known in Italy as ‘limonella’, as it contains a large quantity of essential oil with a scent of lemon and cinnamon, and the leaves give off an intense fragrance on hot summer days. However, care must be taken not to handle the plant too much, as the above-ground parts of the shrub secrete alkaloids that can have a phototoxic effect on people with sensitive skin.