Erica mammosa explained

Erica mammosa, the nine-pin heath, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, that is naturally restricted to the southwestern corner of the Western Cape, South Africa.

It is a shrub, growing to 2.5abbr=offNaNabbr=off 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.[1]

This plant is found as an ornamental garden subject.[2] In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] [4] 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 0C, but will not stand freezing.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Harrison, Lorraine . RHS Latin for Gardeners . 2012 . Mitchell Beazley . United Kingdom . 978-1845337315 .
  2. Web site: Erica mammosa . https://web.archive.org/web/20200131194803/http://pza.sanbi.org/erica-mammosa . 2020-01-31 . PlantZAfrica.
  3. Web site: RHS Plantfinder - Erica mammosa. 17 February 2018.
  4. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 36 . Royal Horticultural Society . 16 February 2018.