- Taxon
- Weed
- Gallery
Classification
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, Brit. Fl., ed 2 (Hull) 114 (1808)
Synonymy:
- ≡ Erica vulgaris L., Sp. Pl. 352 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Heather; ling; Scottish heather
Description
Shrub to c. 50 cm tall; stems puberulent or densely hairy at first, becoming glabrous. Lvs 1.5–3.5 mm long (including auricles), oblong-ovate or oblong-lanceolate, densely imbricate on non-flowering branches, keeled on abaxial surface, often ciliate, obtuse; auricles proximally directed. Infl. a narrow raceme 2–9-(c. 20) cm long, sometimes almost paniculate. Pedicels very short, puberulent. Bracteoles several, similar to lvs, resembling a calyx below fl., obscuring pedicels. Sepals 2–4 mm long, ovate-oblong, pink or mauve-pink, shining, ± scarious. Corolla c. 3/4 length of calyx, deeply lobed, paler than calyx, persistent, scarious. Stamens c. = corolla; anthers > filaments. Style reddish, exserted. Capsules densely hairy, < perianth, subglobose. Seeds 0.5–0.7 mm long, strongly reticulate, often aborted.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
Phenology
Flowering: Dec.–Mar.
Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Biosecurity New Zealand 4 Aug 2011: Unwanted Organisms Register. http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/registers/uor
Biosecurity New Zealand 2008: National Plant Pest Accord. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, Wellington.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Hull, J. 1808-1810: British Flora, or a systematic arrangement of British plants. Edition 2. Manchester and London.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Ministry for Primary Industries 23 Feb 2017: Unwanted Organisms Register. Version 02.01.02. https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor
