Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
retorta
ID:
673771

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.f.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1782

Citation Micro:
Suppl. Pl. : 220 (1782)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000673103

Common Names

  • Erica retorta
  • Retort Heath
  • Retorta Heath

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Synonyms

  • Ericoides retortum (L.f.) Kuntze [valid]
  • Euryloma retorta (L.f.) G.Don [valid]

Description

Erica retorta (also called twisted heath, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae. It is a low-growing, evergreen shrub native to the Cape Provinces and the Northern Provinces of South Africa. It is found in dry, sandy soils in fynbos and renosterveld vegetation.

Uses & Benefits

Erica retorta is used as a garden ornamental and for erosion control. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Erica retorta has white flowers with a yellow center, and small, dark brown seeds. The seedlings are small and have a reddish-brown color.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Erica retorta is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with small, needle-like leaves. It is best grown in well-drained, acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or layering.

Where to Find Erica retorta

Erica retorta is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and North Africa.

Erica retorta FAQ

What is the scientific name of Erica retorta?

Erica retorta

What is the common name of Erica retorta?

Cross-leaved Heath

What is the natural habitat of Erica retorta?

Open heaths, moorlands, and woodlands

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