Status:
valid
Authors:
L.Bolus
Source:
cmp
Year:
1924
Citation Micro:
Ann. Bolus Herb. 3: 175 (1924)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000672086
Description
Erica fontana (also called Spring Heath, among many other common names) is a small evergreen shrub, usually growing to a height of 1-2 m. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in dry, sunny habitats such as rocky hillsides, garrigue and maquis.
Uses & Benefits
Erica fontana is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and is also used as a hedge plant. It is attractive to bees and other pollinators, and its flowers are edible.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Erica fontana is a small, bell-shaped bloom with five petals. The seed is a small, dark brown nut. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Erica fontana is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that grows up to 1 m (3 ft) tall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Propagation is usually done by cuttings taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and placed in a pot with a well-drained, acidic soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, bright location until they have rooted.
Where to Find Erica fontana
Erica fontana can be found in the Mediterranean region, especially in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.
Erica fontana FAQ
What is the scientific name of Erica fontana?
Erica fontana
What is the common name of Erica fontana?
Cape Heath
What is the natural habitat of Erica fontana?
It is native to South Africa and grows in dry, rocky areas
Species in the Erica genus
Erica abbottii,
Erica abelii,
Erica abietina,
Erica accommodata,
Erica acuta,
Erica adnata,
Erica aestiva,
Erica affinis,
Erica agglutinans,
Erica aghillana,
Erica albens,
Erica albertyniae,
Erica albescens,
Erica albospicata,
Erica alexandri,
Erica alfredii,
Erica algida,
Erica alnea,
Erica alopecurus,
Erica alticola,
Erica altiphila,
Erica amalophylla,
Erica amatolensis,
Erica amicorum,
Erica amidae,
Erica amoena,
Erica amphigena,
Erica ampullacea,
Erica andreaei,
Erica andringitrensis,
Erica aneimena,
Erica anemodes,
Erica anguliger,
Erica angulosa,
Erica annalis,
Erica annectens,
Erica anomala,
Erica arachnocalyx,
Erica arborea,
Erica arborescens,
Erica arcuata,
Erica ardens,
Erica arenaria,
Erica areolata,
Erica argentea,
Erica argyraea,
Erica aristata,
Erica aristella,
Erica aristifolia,
Erica armandiana,
Species in the Ericaceae family