The Heath family of plants, Ericaceae, is a huge group of at least 4000 species worldwide; these are spread across more than 120 genera. The small, often bell-like flowers, which are purple, mauve, red, pink or white, generally have five conjoined petals and five sepals (a minority of species have four petals and four sepals) and the alternate leaves are mostly evergreen. Plants in this family are perennial and most are shrubs, but the Ericaceae does also include a number of herbs plus some small trees.
These thumbnail pictures have links to larger photographs and information about each of the species, their habitat needs and an identification guide.
We have used the scientific names to identify species in this table, but if you prefer to use common namvaleriana-dioicaes we have also listed all species covered on the First Nature website in alphabetical order of Common Names...
There is also the option to see all species listed in order of Scientific Names or Botanical Families or Dominant Colour.
Introduction to wildflower families...
Sue Parker's latest ebook is a revised and enlarged second edition of the acclaimed Wildflowers in the Algarve - an introductory guide. Full details here...
Buy it for just £3.95 on Amazon...
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