Status:
valid
Authors:
J.C.Wendl. ex Benth.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1839
Citation Micro:
Prodr. 7: 658 (1839)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000673288
Common Names
- Sphaerocephala Erica
- Erica Sphaerocephala
- Sphaerocephala Heather
Synonyms
- Ericoides sphaerocephalum (J.C.Wendl. ex Benth.) Kuntze [valid]
Description
Erica sphaerocephala (also called Spherical-headed heath, among many other common names) is a small shrub native to South Africa. It has small, needle-like leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in rocky, sandy soils and is found in dry, open areas.
Uses & Benefits
Erica sphaerocephala is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as an ingredient in potpourri. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The Erica sphaerocephala flower is a small, bell-shaped flower with five petals. The petals are white or pinkish-white in color. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a tuft of fine, white hairs at the tip.
Cultivation and Propagation
Erica sphaerocephala is a hardy evergreen shrub that grows in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. Propagation is done from cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be about 4-6 inches long. They should be planted in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist until they have rooted. Once established, Erica sphaerocephala can be propagated by division.
Where to Find Erica sphaerocephala
Erica sphaerocephala can be found in the Mediterranean region, including Portugal, Spain, and North Africa.
Erica sphaerocephala FAQ
What is the scientific name of Erica sphaerocephala?
Erica sphaerocephala
What is the common name of Erica sphaerocephala?
Heath
What is the natural habitat of Erica sphaerocephala?
Woodlands and heaths
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