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Erica is a genus of flowering plants in family Ericaceae, comprising 860 species. The common names are heath and heather. At least 660 species are endemic to South Africa, and are often referred to as Cape heaths, forming the largest genus in fynbos (natural shrubland or heathland). The remaining species are native to Africa, Madagascar, the Mediterranean region, and Europe. Erica species are evergreen shrubs with a height of 0.2-1.5 m, and a few taller species; the tallest among the genus, E. arborea (Tree Heath) and E. scoparia (Besom Heath) which can grow to 6-7 m tall. Erica species have minute needle-like leaves of 2-15mm long, flowers that are borne in mass, axillary or spikes which are usually facing outward or downward. Erica is a good landscape or garden plant with its beautiful flowers. Erica species provide flowers for all seasons. Erica carnea (Alpine Heath, Winter Heath) is best for carpeting as it is a low and spreading shrub. The flowers are borne from late autumn to late spring. E.cinerea (Bell Heather) has flowers that bloom in summer. E. x darleyensis (Darley Dale Heath) flower from midwinter until late spring. Erica species are food plants for larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) species, such as Emperor Moth, Garden Tiger Moth, True Lover's Knot and Wormwood Pug. Erica species are calcifugous (cannot tolerate alkaline) which prefer acidic or very acidic soil, in sun and well-drained soils. Propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Root rot is known to affect the plant's growth.  Erica-tetralix Author: Elke Freese (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic)  Erica arborea Author: David Gaya (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic)  Erica shannonii Author: Andrew massyn (public domain)  Erica verticillata Author: Andrew massyn (public domain)  Erica glomiflora Author: Andrew massyn (public domain)  Erica melanthera Author: Andrew massyn (public domain)  Erica versicolor Author: Stan Shebs (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0) | |||||
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