Erica abietina

Erica abietina
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Ericaceae
Genus:	Erica
Species:	E. abietina
Binomial name
Erica abietina L.

Erica abietina is a species of erica that was naturally restricted to the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa. It produces masses of pink or red flowers and has 7 main subspecies - some of which are very rare. These subspecies are often classed as separate species as they do not readily hybridise.

Subspecies

• Erica abietina subsp. abietina (or the Red Heath) is restricted to the Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos on Table Mountain, Cape Town. It produces rich-red flowers and grows up to about 1.5 meters in height.^[1]
• Erica abietina subsp. atrorosea (or the Wine-red Heath) is found only in the southern parts of Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town. It produces pinkish-purple flowers and grows up to about 1 meter.^[2]
• Erica abietina subsp. constantiana (or the Constantiaberg heath) is restricted to the Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos in the middle of the Cape Peninsula between Constantiaberg and Chapmans Peak. It forms a small, dense shrub with bright pink flowers.
• Erica abietina subsp. aurantiaca
• Erica abietina subsp. atropurpurea
• Erica abietina subsp. diabolis (or the Devils Heath) Critically endangered
• Erica abietina subsp. perfoliosa. Produces bright yellow flowers. Found only in the Jonkershoek Valley. Critically endangered.

This plant grows very easily and well in urban capetonian gardens and is increasingly popular as an ornamental plant. ^[3]

See also

• Cape Flats Sand Fynbos
• Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area
• Biodiversity of Cape Town

References

1. http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/ericaabietinasubab.htm
2. http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/ericaabiet_atrorosea.htm
3. http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/ericaabientacon.htm