Erica perspicua Seeds - Indigenous South African Shrub Seeds For Sale in South Africa

Erica perspicua Seeds

South African Indigenous Heath

Erica, the heaths or heathers, is a genus of approximately 860 species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. The English common names "heath" and "heather" are shared by some closely related genera of similar appearance. Most of the species are small shrubs from 20-150cm high, though some are taller. All are evergreen, with minute needle-like leaves 2-15 mm long. Flowers are usually outward or downward facing and are borne in mass. The plants are grown as landscape or garden plants for their floral effect. At least 660 of the species are endemic to South Africa, and these are often called the Cape heaths, forming the largest genus in the fynbos. The remaining species are native to other parts of Africa, Madagascar, the Mediterranean region, and Europe. The Prince of Wales heath is one of the most well known and loveliest ericas. The genus name Erica comes from the Greek word ereike meaning to break and perspicua (Latin) means transparent, referring to the translucent nature of the flower. This erica acquired its common name from its resemblance to the plumes on the crest of the Prince of Wales' coat of arms. Erica is one of the largest genera in South Africa. There are about 605 indigenous species, mostly concentrated in the southwestern Cape with the greatest number centred around Caledon. Ericas are very popular both here and in Britain.