Spanish heath (Erica australis, Erica: 9 (1770))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Erica: 9 (1770)

Year: 1770

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Iberian Pen., N. Morocco

Description

Spanish Heath, scientifically known as Erica australis, is a member of the Ericaceae family, characterized by its lush, evergreen nature and profusion of delicate, bell-shaped flowers. This beautiful and resilient shrub plays a significant role in the landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Morocco, where it naturally thrives.

First described in detail in 1770 by the botanist Carl Linnaeus, Spanish Heath is a sturdy and adaptable plant. It flourishes in a variety of soil types, demonstrating a particular fondness for acidic soils, which are commonly found across its native habitats. This adaptability to different soil conditions, coupled with its drought tolerance, makes Erica australis an excellent plant for challenging growing environments.

The flowers of Erica australis are one of its standout features. Typically blooming in spires, the flowers range in color from vibrant pinks and purples to occasionally white, creating a stunning display that is both pleasing to the eye and beneficial for pollinators. The flowering period often extends through the spring into the early summer, a time when the landscape bursts into color thanks to the effervescent blooms of Spanish Heath.

Growing to an average height of 1 to 2 meters, Spanish Heath forms a dense and compact shrub that can be used effectively in garden borders, as a ground cover, or for erosion control on slopes. Its fine-textured foliage, along with its dense branching habit, also provides shelter for small wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of the ecosystem where it is planted.

Culturally and historically, Erica australis has been valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its practical uses. The wood of mature plants can be quite hard, making it valuable for small woodworking projects and the creation of traditional tools in the regions where it is found.

In summary, Spanish Heath is a versatile and attractive plant that enriches the environments of the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Morocco. Its resilience, stunning floral displays, and ecological benefits ensure that Erica australis remains a valued species both in its native habitat and in gardens across the world.

Common Names

Eng: spanish heath
En: Spanish heath
Ar: خلنج جنوبي
Eu: Txilar gorri
Fi: Espanjankellokanerva
Pt: Urze-vermelha
Pt-br: Urze

Synonyms

• Erica australis var. occidentalis ((Merino) Benito Cebrián)
• Erica australis subsp. aragonensis ((Willk.) Cout.)
• Erica australis f. aragonensis ((Willk.) Laguna)
• Erica australis f. albiflora (C.Vicioso)
• Erica australis subsp. bethurica (Ladero)
• Erica aragonensis (Willk.)
• Ericoides australe ((L.) Kuntze)
• Erica australis var. aragonensis ((Willk.) Cout.)
• Erica pistillaris (Salisb.)
• Erica protrusa (Salisb.)

Distribution

• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (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 Mar 21, 2021 by Mundeo Rafael (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Andrés Bravo-Oviedo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Ravi romarin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2022 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Andrés Bravo-Oviedo (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Alexandre Santos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by Asier Becerril (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Ravi romarin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Pedroso Rui (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Fruit

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5682851)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:328245-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erica australis L.)

Specifications

Growth