Common-heath (Epacris impressa, Nov. Holl. Pl. 1: 43 (1805))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Labill.

Bibliography: Nov. Holl. Pl. 1: 43 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epacris

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Australia

Description

Common-heath, scientifically known as Epacris impressa, is a fascinating species that captivates plant enthusiasts and botanists alike, belonging to the Ericaceae family. First documented in 1805 by Labill. in the publication Nov. Holl. Pl. 1: 43, this plant has a rich history and notable presence, particularly in southeastern Australia, where it thrives in its natural habitat.

Common-heath is renowned for its delicate, tubular flowers, which display a range of colors from white, pink, to deep red. These vibrant blooms appear in clusters along the stems, often transforming the understorey of heathlands into a stunning visual spectacle during the flowering season. The plant’s slender, woody stems support narrow, needle-like leaves, which provide a pleasing contrast to its soft, ornamental flowers.

Growing in the wild landscapes of southeastern Australia, Common-heath is well-adapted to the region’s varied climatic conditions. It favors well-drained, acidic soils typically found in heathland and forest areas. The plant’s ability to thrive in these environments makes it a resilient species that contributes to the ecological diversity of its native regions.

Aside from its ornamental value, Epacris impressa plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It provides nectar and habitat for a variety of insects and birds, including honeybees and nectar-feeding birds which are integral to pollination processes. This mutual relationship underscores the importance of conserving native plants like Common-heath to maintain ecological balance.

In conclusion, Common-heath (Epacris impressa) encapsulates the beauty and resilience of southeastern Australia’s flora. Its striking flowers, ecological significance, and adaptability make it a cherished species among plant aficionados and conservationists. The historical documentation by Labill. highlights its long-standing recognition and the ongoing appreciation for this distinctive member of the Ericaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: common-heath
En: Common-heath
Zh: 澳石楠
Fa: ته‌تیزک کنگره‌دار
Ru: Эпакрис вдавленный
Zh-hant: 澳石楠

Synonyms

• Epacris impressa var. rubicunda (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. purpurascens (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. delicatula (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. grandiflora (Benth.)
• Epacris impressa f. ruscifolia ((R.Br.) Voss)
• Epacris impressa var. glaucescens (Maund)
• Epacris campanulata (G.Lodd. ex Drapiez)
• Epacris impressa var. variifolia (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. macrantha (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris tomentosa (Lindl.)
• Epacris impressa var. ovata (Benth.)
• Epacris impressa var. variabilis ((Paxton) Hook.f.)
• Epacris impressa var. dissitiflora (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. deckeri (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa f. lucida (Gand.)
• Epacris campanulata var. alba (Lodd. ex DC.)
• Epacris impressa var. longiflora (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris campanulata var. maxima (Paxton)
• Epacris impressa var. alborosea (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. ruscifolia ((R.Br.) Rodway)
• Epacris impressa var. rosea (Guilf.)
• Epacris impressa var. punicea (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. breviflora (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. eximia (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. subdisticha (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. robusta (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. magnifica (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa f. grandiflora ((Benth.) Voss)
• Epacris variabilis (G.Lodd. ex Courtois)
• Epacris impressa var. rhodantha (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris nivalis (G.Lodd. ex Lindl.)
• Epacris vesta (J.Dix)
• Epacris impressa var. pudica (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. nivea ((DC.) Hook.f.)
• Epacris impressa f. ceriflora ((Graham) Voss)
• Epacris ruscifolia (R.Br.)
• Epacris impressa var. campanulata ((G.Lodd. ex Drapiez) Hook.f.)
• Epacris impressa var. splendens (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. leucantha (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. semicolorata (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. reineckei (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. recurvata (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris ceriflora (Graham)
• Epacris campanulata var. rubra (E.Otto)
• Epacris impressa var. variegata (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa f. diemenica (Gand.)
• Epacris campanulata var. rosea (E.Otto)
• Epacris impressa f. milliganii (Gand.)
• Epacris impressa f. nivalis (Voss)
• Epacris nivea (DC.)
• Epacris impressa var. speciosa (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. tenuis (A.Dietr.)
• Epacris impressa var. ceriflora ((Graham) Rodway)
• Epacris impressa var. parviflora (Lindl.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)

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.

Flower

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Joanne Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2019 by Dom_Lyons (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by jicama mama (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Andrew Mountford (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 18, 2019 by Dom_Lyons (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8377116)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325143-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epacris impressa Labill.)

Specifications

Growth