Family: Ericaceae
Author: Salisb.
Bibliography: Prodr. Stirp. Chap. Allerton: 296 (1796)
Year: 1796
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Erica
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: S. & E. Spain to SW. Italy, N. Morocco
Description
Corsican heath, scientifically known as Erica terminalis, is a beautiful and resilient plant belonging to the Ericaceae family. Described by Salisb. in the extensive botanical work “Prodr. Stirp. Chap. Allerton” published in 1796, this species has since captivated botanists and garden enthusiasts alike.
Native to regions stretching from southern and eastern Spain to southwestern Italy, as well as northern Morocco, Corsican heath thrives in Mediterranean climates. This geographical distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to diverse environments, ranging from coastal areas to mountainous landscapes.
The Corsican heath is noted for its vibrant and bell-shaped flowers, which bloom in an array of colors depending on the specific locality and soil conditions. These blooms not only add a splash of color to natural settings but also attract an array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological balance of their native habitats.
Its resilience and beauty make the Corsican heath a popular choice for ornamental gardening, particularly in areas that mimic its native Mediterranean environment. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover, providing an evergreen presence and a burst of color when in bloom.
Overall, Erica terminalis stands out not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its important ecological role and adaptability to different growing conditions, continuing to be a subject of interest and admiration among plant enthusiasts and botanists.
Common Names
Eng: corsican heath
Cym: grug corsica
En: Corsican heath
Ar: خلنج طرفي
Ca: Bruc valencià
Fr: Bruyère de Corse
It: Erica tirrenica, Erica siciliana
Pt-br: Urze
Es: Brecina
Cy: Grug Corsica
Synonyms
- Erica ramulosa (Viv.)
- Erica pendula (J.C.Wendl.)
- Erica corsica (DC.)
- Ericoides pendulum (Kuntze)
- Erica multicaulis (Salisb.)
- Erica stricta f. brevifolia (Pau)
- Erica stricta f. longifolia (Pau)
- Erica terminalis f. brevifolia ((Pau) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
- Erica stricta (Donn ex Willd.)
Distribution
- Corse (native)
- Italy (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Spain (native)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Jean Francois Rochefeuille (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by isa koumbala (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2019 by Ramón Valle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Hernández Mar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 30, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Elle Lola (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 18, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − garcia (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2020 by betty van vlem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 1990 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8347912)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329733-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erica terminalis Salisb.)