Class
Family
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Erica L., Sp. Pl. 352-356 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Heath; Heather
Description
Small to large, usually evergreen shrubs and small trees, very rarely epiphytic. Lvs simple, linear (or apparently very narrow because of revolute margins), opposite or whorled; petiole short. Infl. usually terminal, less commonly axillary, composed of umbels or racemes, sometimes paniculate. Fls nearly always subtended by bracts and bracteoles. Calyx of 4–(5) free sepals or deeply lobed, rarely shallowly lobed, sometimes petaloid, persistent. Corolla 4–(5)-lobed, deciduous or persistent; tube cylindric, campanulate or urceolate, widened or constricted at mouth; lobes usually < tube. Stamens 8–(10), included or exserted; anthers opening by lateral pores or slits, with or without awns. Capsule loculicidal, with many minute seeds.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 6 |
| Exotic: Casual | 4 |
| Total | 10 |
Bibliography
Kubitzki, K. 2004: VI Flowering Plants. Dicotyledons: Celestrales, Oxalidales, Rosales, Cornales, Ericales. Kubitzki, K. (ed.) The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants. Spinger-Verlag, Berlin. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
