Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Erica L. [238]

genus_ja:

genus_en: Heath

# spp.:

pub_year:

accepted: Accepted

Family: Ericaceae

family_ja: ツツジ

Infra familial classification:

distribution_en: mostly S.Afr., Europe (16)

description_en: Genus of over 700 species of prostrate to tree-like, evergreen shrubs occurring in a variety of habitats from wet moorland to dry heathland in Europe, temperate Africa (mainly confined to S. of the Limpopo River in South Africa), and temperate W. and C. Asia. The whorled, rarely opposite, mainly linear leaves are tightly curled back, and usually 3-10mm (1/8-1/2in) long, although in some of the larger species they may be 2cm (3/4in) long. The usually bell- to urn-shaped flowers, 0.2-4cm (1/16-1 1/2in) long, develop in terminal racemes (sometimes leafy, and often spike-like), umbels, or panicle-like heads, or in 2- to 5-flowered, axillary clusters or whorls, on short lateral branches produced on the previous year’s growth. The flowers may be distinguished from those of heathers (Calluna) by the prominent corollas and usually green calyces. Hardy species are widely grown as ground cover, either on their own or with other ericaceous plants or dwarf conifers, and provide colour throughout the year. Tree-like species are excellent specimen plants. In frost-prone areas, grow the tender species in a cool greenhouse; in warmer climates, grow in a heather garden or among other shrubs.

hardiness_en: Fully hardy to frost tender.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Root semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer. Mound-layer in spring.

pests_en: Susceptible to fungal attack, chiefly from Phytophthora root rot, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia, in warm, wet conditions.

description_ja:

comment:

comment_ja: エリカ

type_species:

Phylogenetic definition:

Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2022-03-09 15:20

family: