Erica mammosa

Erica mammosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Erica
Species: E. mammosa
Binomial name
Erica mammosa

Erica mammosa (the nine-pin heath) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, that was naturally restricted to the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa.

It is a shrub, growing to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall and broad, that produces masses of flowers in a range of colours from light-pink to orange to bright red.

The species name "mammosa" means "with breasts" and refers to the udder-like tubular shape of the flowers.[2]

This plant is increasingly popular as an ornamental garden subject.[3] In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[4][5] Like many heathers it is a calcifuge, meaning that it must be grown in an acidic soil. It requires a sunny, sheltered spot with sharp drainage. It tolerates low temperatures down to 0 °C (32 °F), but will not stand freezing.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Erica mammosa". The Plant List. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  2. ↑ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 184533731X.
  3. ↑ http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/ericamammosa.htm
  4. 1 2 "RHS Plantfinder - Erica mammosa". Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  5. ↑ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 36. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
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