Erica mammosa
Erica mammosa, the nine-pin heath, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, that is naturally restricted to the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Erica mammosa | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Ericaceae |
Genus: | Erica |
Species: | E. mammosa |
Binomial name | |
Erica mammosa | |
It is a shrub, growing to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall and broad, that produces masses of flowers in a range of colours from light-pink to orange to bright red.
The species name mammosa means "with breasts" and refers to the udder-like tubular shape of the flowers.[2]
This plant is found as an ornamental garden subject.[3] In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[4][5] Like many heathers it is a calcifuge, meaning that it must be grown in an acidic soil. It requires a sunny, sheltered spot with sharp drainage. It tolerates low temperatures down to 0 °C (32 °F), but will not stand freezing.[4]
Gallery
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Erica mammosa. |
References
- "Erica mammosa". The Plant List. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 184533731X.
- http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/ericamammosa.htm
- "RHS Plantfinder - Erica mammosa". Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 36. Retrieved 16 February 2018.