Erica caffra L.

Erect shrub, generally 0.5–3–(4) m high. Shoots densely white- pilose. Lvs in whorls of 3, mostly 5–13 mm long, glabrous to white- pilose, revolute but midrib of lower surface clearly visible; petiole appressed to shoot and lamina usually somewhat directed forward. Fls terminal on short axillary shoots, commonly in clusters of 3, but sometimes to c. 20 on a shoot. Pedicels 4–6 mm long, densely white-pilose. Bracteoles 1–2 mm long, narrow-linear, white-pilose, situated in basal 1/2 of pedicel. Sepals 3–4.5 mm long, lanceolate or ovate, densely or moderately white-pilose, acuminate. Corolla 5.5–7 mm long, narrow-urceolate, persistent, usually white, sometimes pinkish, white-pilose outside; lobes c. 1 mm long, erect or nearly so, rounded. Stamens included; anthers c. 1 mm long, probably dark reddish; awns very short. Style = corolla tube; stigma capitate. Capsule c. 2.5 mm long, subglobose, with white appressed hairs.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Jul.–Oct.