ERICA (Erica, of Pliny, is altered from Ereike of Theophrastus; there is probably no ground for the ordinary derivation from erico, or ereiko, to break). Heath. ORD. Ericaceae. A very extensive genus (about 400 species) of greenhouse or hardy evergreen, branching, wiry shrubs, natives, for the most part, of the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers usually nodding, axillary or terminal, fascicled or racemose; pedicels two to three-bracteate; corolla persistent, with a four-lobed limb; stamens eight. Leaves opposite, alternate or verticillate, rigid, small. Cape Ericas are among the most beautiful of decorative cool-house plants. A great diversity in colour and form of flower, marks the genus as now represented in gardens. The type of form of corolla in a large number of species is shown at Fig. 718. Probably no class of plants require more careful attention for their successful cultivation, than do the majority of the species of the hardest-wooded Heaths. Many of these are not now in cultivation, their places being filled by numerous kinds of hybrid origin. Some of the softer-wooded kinds, such as caffra, colorans, gracilis (with its variety autumnalis), hybrida, hyemalis, melanthera, persoluta (var. alba), ventricosa coccinea minor and Wilmoreana, are grown in immense quantities to supply the ever-increasing demand for useful decorative plants such as these Heaths invariably make. They flower principally in autumn and winter, although the majority of the species blossom during spring and early summer. Ericas, especially the harder-wooded sorts, are liable to die suddenly from some often unknown cause, though careless potting or watering very frequently proves fatal to them. Many of the hardy species are very attractive and useful for culture in peaty soil, as an edging to other shrubs, particularly the dwarf ERICA carnea, or even ERICA vagans. The other taller-growing species are showy when planted in beds by themselves, or with a dwarf one as an edging. They may be increased by division or layers, or by cuttings, placed in sandy peat, under handlights, in autumn. PROPAGATION. Heaths may be readily grown from seed, a method which is, however, now seldom resorted to except for the raising of new varieties, the most commonly practised means for their propagation being that of cuttings. These are obtained from the points of the twiggy ripened shoots about the lower parts of the plants. The softwooded varieties, which commence to make new growth early in the year, will be found to yield good cuttings before the others, that are later in flowering, and consequently do not start growing again quite so early as the softer kinds. The cuttings should be about 1in. long, and, after the lower leaves have been carefully removed, be inserted rather closely in pots, which should be filled with two-thirds of crocks, the remainder being fine sandy peat with a layer of clean silver sand on the surface, and covered with a bell glass, or placed in a close-fitting handlight. After being once well watered, they should be placed in a temperature of about 60deg. The glasses will require to be rather frequently wiped dry inside, and any appearance of mould or damp on the cuttings must be sought for, and immediately removed. When growth commences, air should be very gradually admitted, and the young plants exposed to more light. They may be stopped, and remain in these pots until early the following spring, when they should be potted singly, and grown on. The same remarks apply to all greenhouse Heaths; the hardest-wooded ones are inserted later in the season, and are the most difficult to increase. CULTIVATION. The soil used for potting Ericas, at any stage, must be good fibrous peat, broken in small lumps, with nearly one-third of clean silver sand added. Thorough drainage is at all times essential; and, to keep the compost open, the admixture of a few pieces of crock, broken fine, is advisable. The plants should never be allowed to become pot-bound, especially when young. The roots are seldom altogether inactive; and the best season for repotting any that require it is as soon as new growth commences in spring, or, with established late-flowering sorts, early autumn. The balls should not be disturbed, excepting what becomes absolutely necessary in removing the crocks; and the new soil should be rammed as firmly as the old, to prevent water passing more freely through one part than another. It is also very important that the ball should not be placed low enough to allow the stem of the plant to be buried. This condition alone, when neglected, is liable to cause the death of any number of Ericas. Anything approaching a close atmosphere must, at all times, be avoided, as this encourages the development of mildew on the leaves. When the plants are established in the summer months, a cold frame is the best place, and too much light and air cannot be given. Indeed, in dry open weather, the sashes are better removed. With the hard-wooded sorts, care must be taken to prevent water lodging amongst the leaves, or damping will result. The pots should be plunged in summer, to prevent injury to the tender roots. Exposure of established plants to sun and air, from the latter part of July till the end of September, tends greatly to ripen and solidify the growths, thus causing the greater production of flowers. For wintering Ericas, a span-roofed house, with plenty of light and available means of ventilation, is most suitable. They dislike fire heat, and it should never be applied, except to keep out frost or occasionally to expel damp. A temperature of 40deg. in severe weather will be more suitable than one higher; and when it is mild, plenty of air should be admitted. Watering is a matter of great importance at all seasons, perhaps more so than with any other class of plants. If possible, soft rain water should always be used, or some that has been exposed to sun and air in an open cistern. The plants must never be allowed to become dry; and, on the other hand, too much water, especially with individuals in bad health, is equally injurious. They should be examined each time, and watered according as experience alone can teach. The use of hard water, which invariably contains lime, often proves destructive, and should be avoided if possible. Where none but hard water is available, it may be made more suitable for Heaths by placing a bag of soot in the tank or tub, where it is kept. The best time for pruning is as soon as the flowering season is over. The softer-wooded and freer-growing kinds should have all their strongest shoots shortened back to within an inch or two of their bases, and all the weaker ones should have their tips removed. In some cases, it will only be necessary to shorten a few of the strongest ones to induce a symmetrical habit. Some of the slow-growing sorts rarely require pruning at all. Heaths are seldom subject to attacks from insect pests--mildew being the disease to which they are most liable. This may be destroyed by dusting the affected part with flowers of sulphur, previously moistening the plant. It may be allowed to remain on the plant for several days, and be then washed off with clean water, taking care not to allow any sulphur to get in the soil. In addition to the following enumeration, it may be stated that the number of hybrids and varieties now in cultivation is very considerable, and limited space deters us from describing more of them. Indoor treatment is required except where otherwise stated. ERICA Aitonia (Aiton's).* fl. pale red, or nearly white, terminal, three to four together; corolla viscid, with a cylindrical tube 1in. long, which is ventricose at top, with large ovate segments. June to September. l. three in a whorl, linear, serrulated, erect. h. 2ft. 1790. A slender branching species. SYN. ERICA Aitoniana. (B. M. 429.) ERICA A. superba (superb). An improved form of the type, with larger tubes, and a more compact habit of growth. ERICA A. turgida (turgid). fl. in terminal umbels; tubes swollen at the base, and contracted above the middle, enlarging slightly at the mouth. ERICA A. Turnbullii (Turnbull's). fl. in umbels of about six; tube upwards of 1in. long, as thick again as those of the type; corolla lobes large, spreading, white, changing to pink. l. broader than in the type. ERICA Aitoniana (Aiton's). A synonym of ERICA Aitonia. ERICA alopecuroides (fox-tail-like). fl. terminal; corolla purplishred, ovate, small; calyx coloured, ciliated. September and October. l. linear, three in a whorl. h. 1ft. 1810. (L. B. C. 874.) ERICA ampullacea (flask-shaped).* fl. red, terminal, usually in fours; corolla nearly 1in. long, viscid, with a ventricose tube, ribbed neck, and ovate-cordate, slightly crenulated, obtuse segments. July. l. three or four in a whorl, lanceolate, reflexed, imbricate at the base. h. 2ft. 1790. (B. M. 303.) ERICA andromedaeflora (Andromeda-flowered).* fl. deep red, or reddish-purple, solitary, drooping, axillary; corolla urceolate; calyx pink, nearly as long as the corolla. March to June. l. three in a whorl, ciliated, subulate, stiff, spreading. h. 1ft. to 3ft. 1803. (B. M. 1250.) ERICA arborea (tree-like). fl. white, axillary, racemose, small; corolla two lines long, campanulate. February to May. l. three or four in a whorl, linear, glabrous. Branches tomentose. h. 10ft. to 20ft. South Europe, 1658. Hardy. (S. F. G. 351.) There are several varieties of this species. ERICA Archeriana (Lady Archer's). fl. about 1in. long, axillary and terminal, crowded, verticillate; corolla deep reddish-purple or scarlet, downy, viscid, with a cylindrical, inflated tube. August and September. l. six to seven in a whorl, serrulately ciliated, spreading. 1786. (L. B. C. 1466.) ERICA aristata (awned). fl. terminal; corolla reddish-purple, with a paler limb, salver-shaped, inflated upwards with revolute projecting segments. March to August. l. four to five in a whorl, oblong, sub-secund, hispid, imbricated, awned at the apex. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1801. (B. M. 1249.) ERICA a. Barnesii (Barnes').* fl. produced in terminal whorls; corolla tube shining red; mouth deeper red than in type; segments very broad, pure white. A very handsome hybrid. ERICA a. virens (green) is closely allied to the last, but has four leaves in a whorl, not five, and the clusters of flowers are larger. ERICA Austiniana (Austin's).* fl. in whorls; corolla tubular; tubes white, streaked and suffused with carmine, narrow, 1in. or more in length. July and August. l. ovate-lanceolate, smooth, spreading. An excellent species. ERICA australis (Southern). fl. terminal, small; corolla purplish-red, three lines long, with a curved, funnel-shaped tube, and a recurved limb; anthers crested. March to July. l. four in a whorl, scabrous, spreading, mucronate. h. 3ft. to 6ft. Spain, 1769. Hardy. (L. B. C. 1472.) ERICA Banksiana (Banks'). fl. terminal; corolla greenish-yellow, cylindrical, with a reflexed limb; anthers brown. February. l. mucronate, loosely imbricated, three or four in a whorl. h. 9in. 1787. (A. H. iii. 105.) ERICA Beaumontiana (Beaumont's).* fl. axillary and terminal, drooping; corolla white, tinged with purple, campanulate; style a little exserted. June. l. linear, five to six in a whorl. h. 1ft. 1820. (A. H. vi. 253.) ERICA Bergiana (Bergius').* fl. terminal, drooping; corolla purple, campanulate, smooth; calyx reflexed, ciliated. May and June. l. linear-oblong, pubescent, spreading. Peduncles hairy, with a few scaly bracts. h. 1 1/2ft. 1787. (L. B. C. 939.) ERICA blanda (charming). fl. terminal, clustered; corolla pale red, one and one-third lines long, having the limb one-half longer than the tube, with semi-orbicular segments. May. l. three in a whorl, spreading, short, obtuse. h. 2ft. 1798. (A. H. iii. 152.) ERICA Bonplandiana (Bonpland's). fl. terminating the small branches, solitary or by threes, sessile; corolla white, large, with an urceolar tube, and an acute, spreading limb. March to September. l. four in a whorl, imbricate, acerose. h. 1ft. 1812. (B. M. 2126.) ERICA Bowieana (Bowie's).* fl. crowded, axillary, verticillate, near the tops of the branches, pendulous; corolla cylindrical, with an inflated tube and contracted mouth. October. l. linear, glaucous, glabrous. h. 1ft. 1822. (L. B. C. 842.) ERICA bruniades (Brunia-like). fl. in small pendulous umbels; corolla pink; stamens black; calyx covered with long white woolly hairs. May. l. short, linear-oblong, clothed with white woolly hairs, as are also the branches. h. 1 1/2ft. 1774. (A. H. i. 6.) ERICA caffra (Caffrarian).* fl. sweet-scented; corolla globular, very small, produced in great profusion. h. 1 1/2ft. 1802. (A. H. i. 7.) ERICA campanulata (bell-shaped). fl. terminal, solitary, drooping; corolla yellow, two and a-half lines long, campanulate. April to August. l. three in a whorl, subulate, glabrous. h. 1ft. 1791. (A. H. ii. 55.) ERICA Candolleana (Candolle's).* fl. umbellate; corolla rosy-red at the base, white towards the apex, more than 1in. long. June, July. l. erect, somewhat oblong, clothed with long hairs at the edges. Hybrid. ERICA carnea (flesh-coloured).* fl. pale red, axillary, drooping, disposed in secund racemes; corolla conical, tow and a-half lines long, with a pyramidal tube. January to April. l. three to four in a whorl, linear, glabrous. h. 6in. Germany, 1763. Hardy. The white-flowered form is generally called ERICA herbacea. (L. B. C. 1452.) ERICA Cavendishiana (Cavendish's).* fl. rich bright yellow, tubular, nearly 1in. long, stout. May to July. l. subulate, slightly spreading, bright dark green. h. 1 1/2ft. Hybrid. (P. M. B. xiii. 3.) ERICA cerinthoides (Honeywort-like).* fl. terminal, capitate, drooping; corolla scarlet, nearly 1in. long, oblong, with an inflated tube, clothed with viscid hairs outside. May to November. l. five to six in a whorl, linear-lanceolate, pilose and ciliated, bearded at the apex. h. 3ft. 1774. There are several garden forms of this species. (B. M. 220.) ERICA Chamissonis (Chamisso's).* fl. rose-coloured, at the tips of short side branches, solitary, or three or four together, pendulous; pedicel pink, 1/2in. long; corolla between globose and campanulate; lobes very short and broad. April. l. long, ternate, spreading, and incurved, sessile, linear, obtuse, grooved underneath from the recurvation of the margin. Branches slender, leafy, erect. h. 1 1/2ft. South Africa, 1874. An elegant plant. (B. M. 6108.) ERICA ciliaris (fringed).* fl. terminal, sub-racemose, secund; corolla pale red, four lines long, smooth, ovate, more ventricose on the upper side. August, September. l. three in a whorl, ovate, glandularly ciliated, spreading, rather remote. h. 1ft. Western Europe (Cornwall and Dorset). (B. M. 484; Sy. En. B. 887.) ERICA cinerea (ashy-grey). fl. verticillate, on the naked stems; corolla purple, changing to blue as it fades, three lines long, ovate-urceolate. August, September. l. three in a whorl. h. 6in. to 12in. Europe (Britain). (Sy. En. B. 891.) There are several varieties, including a white-flowered one, of this species. ERICA codonodes (bell-bearing). fl. white and pink, small, disposed in numerous densely-crowded racemes. l. acerose, three to five in a whorl. h. 8ft. South Europe. A slender much-branched hardy shrub, closely allied to ERICA arborea, of which it is probably only a variety. (G. C. n. s., vii. 463.) ERICA colorans (colouring).* fl. crowded, terminating the small branches; corolla varying from red to white, cylindrical, clavate, glabrous. April to June. l. linear, spreading, ciliated. h. 2ft. 1817. (B. R. 601.) A garden variety, named superba, with rosy-red and white flowers, is said to be an improvement on the typical species. ERICA comosa (tufted). fl. small, terminal, tufted; corolla white, with an ovate ventricose tube, and dark anthers. April to August. l. four in a whorl, linear, short, erectly spreading. h. 9in. 1787. (A. H. i. 10.) ERICA cylindrica (cylindrical). A synonym of ERICA hybrida. ERICA delecta choice). A synonym of ERICA primuloides. ERICA densa (dense). fl. axillary, crowded, nearly sessile; corolla pale red, with an oblong-cylindrical tube, and a short spreading limb. May to October. l. four or five in a whorl, linear, somewhat imbricated, spreading. h. 1 1/2ft. 1810. (A. H. v. 212.) ERICA denticulata (denticulate). fl. terminal, fastigiate; corolla purple, three lines long, with a cylindrical tube. April, May. l. four in a whorl, linear, glabrous. h. 1ft. 1821. (L. B. C. 1090.) ERICA depressa (depressed). fl. small, terminal; corolla white, bellshaped. July. l. glabrous, three in a whorl, linear, revolute. Branches decumbent. 1789. (A. H. i. 17.) ERICA Devoniana (Devon).* fl. umbellate; corolla rich purple, tubular, inflated at the base, about 1in. long. Summer. l. broad, bluntly-oblong, recurved, ciliated. Hybrid. ERICA Douglasii (Douglas's). fl. umbellate; corolla flesh-colour, about 1in. long, with large spreading white segments. June, July. l. short, blunt, spreading, awned. Hybrid. ERICA echiiflora (Echium-flowered).* fl. axillary, horizontal and spicate; corolla deep red, with a short, inflated, ribbed tube, clammy. March to May. l. five to seven in a whorl, linear, downy, with rough margins, spreading. h. 1 1/2ft. 1798. (A. H. iv. 161.) ERICA effusa (effuse). fl. ten to twelve in a large terminal whorl; corolla bright scarlet-crimson, tubular; segments reflexed, pale yellow. August. l. spreading, ciliated. Hybrid. ERICA elegans (elegant).* fl. terminal, numerous, capitate; corolla pink, tipped with green, urceolate, with a contracted four-toothed mouth; calyx bright rosy-red, nearly as large as the corolla. Summer. l. three in a whorl, linear, glaucous, spreading. h. 6in. to 12in. 1799. (B. M. 966.) The variety glauca has larger flowers, and more erect glaucous leaves, than the type. ERICA empetrifolia (Empetrum-leaved). fl. purplish-red, disposed in glomerate racemose whorls; corolla two lines long, hairy, with an urceolar tube and a recurvedly-spreading limb. May and June. l. six or seven in a whorl, oblong-linear, ciliated, erect. 1774. (B. M. 447.) ERICA Eweriana (Ewer's). fl. sub-spicate; corolla dark red, with a greenish-yellow mouth, cylindrical, eight to ten lines long, clothed with viscid down, curved and clavate. July to November. l. linear, scabrous, spreading. h. 2ft. 1790. (L. B. C. 1303.) ERICA eximia (choice).* fl. produced in whorls; corolla scarlet, tipped with green, tubular, about 1in. long. May and June. l. linear, slightly spreading, hairy. h. 2ft. 1800. (L. B. C. 1105.) ERICA exsurgens (rising). fl. axillary, verticillate, horizontal, crowded; corolla orange-red, cylindrically clavate, thirteen to fifteen lines long, viscid, with ovate-cuneated segments. March to October. l. filiform, spreadingly recurved. h. 1 1/2ft. 1792. (A. H. i. 20, 21.) ERICA Fairieana (Fairie's).* fl. in terminal whorls; corolla tube rich rose, 1in. long, much inflated at the base, suddenly contracted at top; limb white. June to August. l. large, oblong-lanceolate, with long white hairs at the edges. Hybrid. (R. H. 1880, 467.) ERICA fastigiata (fastigiate). fl. terminal, crowded, sessile; corolla white, salver-shaped, with a narrow tube. May to September. l. four in a whorl, acerose, shining, erect, imbricated. h. 1 1/2ft. 1797. (A. H. ii. 62.) ERICA ferruginea (rusty-coloured). fl. terminal, umbellately verticillate, horizontal; corolla with red, acuminated, inflated tube, and a greenish-yellow limb. May. l. four in a whorl, linear, secund, ciliated with rusty hairs. h. 1ft. 1798. (A. H. iv. 162.) ERICA florida (florid). fl. terminal, umbellate, glabrous; corolla two lines long, urceolate. June, July. l. linear, pilose. h. 1ft. 1803. (L. B. C. 234.) ERICA gemmifera (bud-bearing). fl. drooping, crowded, disposed in a verticillate crown; corolla orange-red, with a green apex, villous, cylindrical, inflated. July, August. l. oblong, adpressed, ciliated, aristate, four to five in a whorl. Branches thickened at top. h. 1ft. 1802. (B. M. 2266.) ERICA gracilis (slender).* fl. small, terminal, spicate; corolla purplish-red, ovate-globose, or urceolate. September to December. l. glabrous, four in a whorl, linear. h. 1ft. 1774. (A. H. ii. 68.) ERICA g. vernalis (spring).* fl. terminal; corolla purplish-red, campanulate. March, April. l. glabrous, acerose, three in a whorl. h. 2ft. to 3ft. 1827. (L. B. C. 1608.) ERICA grandiflora (large-flowered).* fl. axillary near the tops of the branches and stem, verticillate; corolla bright glossy yellow, 1in. long, curved, trumpet-shaped, viscid, with a revolute limb. June, July. l. linear, bluntish, glabrous. reclinate, four to six in a whorl. h. 3ft. 1785. (A. H. iii. 117; B. M. 189.) ERICA grandinosa (hail-stone). fl. terminal, drooping, by threes; corolla white, irregularly ovate, inflated, small. April, May. l. linear, three in a whorl. h. 6in. to 12in. 1810. (A. H. vi. 265.) ERICA Hartnelli (Hartnell's). fl. large, terminal; corolla purple, viscid, nearly tubular, rather ventricose at the base, with ovate-triangular lobes. May. l. four in a whorl, lanceolate, imbricated, finely ciliated. h. 2ft. 1820. ERICA herbacea (herbaceous). A synonym of ERICA carnea, in gardens generally applied only to the white-flowered variety of that species. ERICA hybrida (hybrid).* fl. disposed in long, dense, spikes; corolla bright red, 1in. long. May, June. l. long, linear. Hybrid. SYN. ERICA cylindrica. ERICA hyemalis (winter).* fl. disposed in long, dense, leafy spikes, 10in. to 12in. in length; corolla rosy-pink at the base, white towards the apex, campanulate. Winter, spring. l. linear, acuminated, hairy. h. 2ft. Hybrid. ERICA hyemalis alba (white). This variety differs from the type only in having pure white flowers. 1882. ERICA inflata (inflated). fl. in terminal umbellate fascicles; corolla reddish-purple at the base, and green at the apex, large, with an elongated, ovate, ventricose tube, and a short limb. May to September. l. four in a whorl, linear, glabrous. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1800. ERICA infundibuliformis (funnel-shaped). fl. terminal, aggregate; corolla pale red, salver-shaped, with a slender tube and large segments. August to November. l. four in a whorl, filiform, obtuse, erect, glabrous. h. 2ft. 1802. (A. H. v. 218.) ERICA Irbyana (Irby's).* fl. terminal, umbellate; corolla white, tinged with red, more than 1in. long, viscid, with a cylindrical ventricose tube, and large segments. June and July. l. three in a whorl, cuspidate, with scabrous margins, erect. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1800. (A. H. v. 219.) ERICA jasminiflora (Jasmine-flowered).* fl. terminal, aggregate; corolla about 1in. long, salver-shaped, viscid, with a reddish ovate tube, which is ventricose at the apex. June to November l. three in a whorl, linear-oblong, serrulated, recurved, imbricated in six rows. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1794. The variety alba has pure white flowers. ERICA jubata (maned). fl., pedicels terminal, corymbose, hispid; corolla campanulately rotate. June to October. l. linear, filiform, rather clammy, incurvedly spreading. h. 2ft. 1800. ERICA Lambertiana (Lambert's).* fl. large, terminal, sub-corymbose, drooping; corolla white, glabrous, ovate-globose. May to July. l. three in a whorl, linear, glabrous, spreading. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1800. (A. H. iv. 171.) ERICA Linnaeana (Linnaean).* fl. axillary, numerous, nearly sessile, horizontal; corolla white, with a red base, clavate, downy or villous. January to May. l. ciliated, spreading, acerose. h. 1 1/2ft. 1790. (A. H. ii. 75.) The variety superba is a very handsome form, with large erect white flowers, tinged with red. ERICA lutea (yellow). fl. nearly terminal; corolla yellow, two and a-half lines long, ovate, ventricose. September to May. l. opposite, linear, imbricate, glabrous. Branches flexuous. h. 1ft. 1774. (A. H. i. 29.) ERICA mammosa (nippled). fl. drooping, axillary, crowded, verticillate, near the tops of the branches; corolla reddish-purple, downy, eight to ten lines long, with a cylindrical inflated tube. July to October. l. linear, subulate, glabrous, erect, spreading. h. 2ft. 1769. (A. H. iii. 124.) ERICA Marnockiana (Marnock's).* fl. glossy rich purple, tubular, inflated at the base, and narrow at the neck, with a small spreading limb; tube smooth. July, August. l. oblong, spreading, ciliated, awned. Hybrid. ERICA Massonii (Masson's).* fl. axillary, crowded, drooping, disposed in a verticillate crown; corolla about 1in. long, viscid, swollen at top, with a scarlet tube and a greenish-yellow constricted mouth. July to October. l. four to five in a whorl, linear, serrulated, hairy, imbricated, spreading. h. 3ft. 1789. (A. H. iii. 128.) ERICA Maweana (Mawe's). fl. purplish-crimson, produced in clusters, after the manner of those of E. Tetralix and E. ciliaris. Autumn. Stems sub-erect, much-branched, forming soft, ornamental bushes 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high. 1882. Hardy. ERICA McNabiana (McNab's).* fl. rosy-red, with a white limb; viscid, nearly 1 1/2in. long, stoutest a little below the middle. May to July. l. short, thick, obtuse, awned, slightly spreading. Hybrid. (P. M. B. vii. 125.) The variety rosea has longer and more recurved leaves, and the flowers are bright rose in the tubes, veined with a deeper shade of the same colour, neck deep purple, and limb white. ERICA mediterranea (Mediterranean). fl. axillary, racemose, secund, nodding; corolla red, with dark anthers, urceolate, one and a-half to two lines long. March to May. l. four or five in a whorl, linear-cuneated, glabrous. h. 4ft. to 6ft. Western Europe (Ireland). Hardy. (B. M. 471.) ERICA melanthera (black-anthered).* fl. tinged with pink, with exserted black anthers. Autumn, winter. l. linear-obtuse, rather thick, glabrous, or slightly scabrid when young. h. 2ft. A compact-growing, floriferous species. (L. B. C. 867.) ERICA metulaeflora (ninepin-flowered). fl. terminal, umbellate; corolla red, with a pale border, salver-shaped, ventricose at the base. June to August. l. four to five in a whorl, linear, ciliated, spreadingly recurved. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1798. (B. M. 612.) ERICA Mooreana (Moore's). fl. in large, terminal umbels of a dozen or more; corolla bright, glossy crimson-red, with a ring of black at the mouth, ventricosely tubular, above 1in. long, the lobes pink, roundish; pedicels red, with gland-bordered bracts. l. in whorls of four, very much recurved, fringed with twisted ciliae, and tipped with a long awn. 1882. Hybrid. ERICA multiflora (many-flowered). fl. axillary, disposed in a racemose corymb; corolla pale red, with an urceolar or ovate bell-shaped tube, one and-a-half to two lines long; anthers black. October to February. l. four or five in a whorl, glabrous, linear. h. 2ft. France, 1731. Hardy. (Fl. Ment. 59.) ERICA mundula (neat). fl. terminal, usually in fours, sessile; corolla reddish-purple, salver-shaped, with a very short narrow tube, and a wide limb. October to February. l. four in a whorl, subulate, spreading, shining. h. 2ft. 1810. (A. H. vi. 273.) ERICA mutabilis (changeable). fl. in terminal umbels; corolla tube bright red, 3/4in. long, smooth. l. four in a whorl, linear-obtuse, hairy. h. 6in. 1798. (B. M. 2348.) ERICA odorata (perfumed).* fl., corolla white, campanulate, very fragrant. May to July. l. four in a whorl, glandularly ciliated. h. 1ft. 1829. (B. M. 1399.) ERICA ovata (ovate). fl. terminal; corolla purplish-red, tubular, with a narrow throat, nearly 1 1/2in. long, much inflated. May and June. l. three in a whorl, oblong, finely ciliated. h. 1ft. 1811. (L. B. C. 417.) ERICA Parmentieriana (Parmentier's).* fl. terminal; corolla reddish-purple, with a cylindrically ventricose tube, and broad spreading segments. June to August. l. four in a whorl, linear, spreading. h. 1ft. 1810. (L. B. C. 197.) The variety rosea is a compact-growing form, with deep rosy-purple flowers, which are usually produced in fours from each lateral growth. ERICA Paxtoniana (Paxton's). fl. in umbels of eight or ten; corolla shading to white, with a greenish-purple neck, tubular, stout, about 1in. long. l. linear-oblong, recurved, hairy. Hybrid. ERICA persoluta (garland-flowered). fl. terminal; corolla small, campanulate, one and a-half lines long, with deep acute segments. April, May. l. four in a whorl, short, linear, glabrous. Branches downy or hairy. h. 1ft. 1774. (B. M. 342.) There are two varieties of this species: alba (flowers white), and rosea (flowers red). ERICA perspicua (clear-flowered). fl. terminating the small branches, spike-formed; corolla reddish-purple, cylindrical, erect. April to June. l. linear, nearly smooth. h. 2ft. 1800. (A. H. v. 230.) ERICA p. nana (dwarf).* fl., corolla tube pinkish-white, 1in. long, slender; limb white. l. hairy. ERICA physodes (puffed-out).* fl. terminal, four to six in a fascicle; corolla white, ovate-globose, clammy, three to four lines long. March to May. l. four to six in a whorl, spreading, viscid, slender. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1788. (B. M. 443.) ERICA primuloides (Cowslip-like).* fl. terminal, nearly sessile, fastigiate; corolla rosy-purple, with an ovate tube, and a broad spreading limb. May, June. l. five in a whorl, acerose. h. 1ft. 1802. SYN. ERICA delecta. (B. M. 1548.) ERICA princeps (chief). fl. terminal, umbellate; corolla reddish-purple, viscid, with a ventricose tube, and a hairy top. May to July. l. four in a whorl, linear, ciliated, recurved. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1800. (A. H. iii. 140.) The variety carnea has longer, flesh-coloured flowers, with a narrower tube. ERICA propendens (propendent).* fl. terminal, solitary, or by threes; corolla purple or deep red, bell-shaped. July. l. four in a whorl, short, ciliated. Branches flexuous. h. 1ft. 1800. (B. M. 2140.) ERICA p. tubiflora is a handsome garden hybrid, with flowers rosy-purple at the base, and white in front; leaves clothed at the edges with white hairs. ERICA pulverulenta (powdered). fl. terminal; corolla purplish-red, ovate. June to August. l. three in a whorl, acerose. Plant clothed with powdery down. h. 1ft. 1820. (P. M. B. xvi. 161.) ERICA pyramidalis (pyramidal). fl. terminal, usually in threes; corolla purplish-red, funnel-shaped, with a spreading border, about four lines long. March. l. pubescent, spreading, acerose, six or more in a whorl. h. 1 1/2ft. 1787. (A. H. iii. 142.) ERICA ramentacea (scaly).* fl. terminal, umbellate; corolla purplishred, with a spherical eight-angled tube, and a recurved erect limb. July to December. l. acerose, four in a whorl, glabrous. h. 1 1/2ft. 1786. (A. H. iii. 143.) ERICA regerminans (regerminating). fl. pedicellate, drooping, semilateral; corolla pale red, ovate-globular, small. May to August. l. linear, recurved, three in a whorl. h. 1 1/2ft. 1791. (L. B. C. 1728.) ERICA retorta (curled-back-leaved). fl. terminal, umbellate, usually seven or eight together; corolla pale red, viscid, with an ovate, ventricose tube, and acute segments, eight to nine lines long. June to August. l. four in a whorl, squarrosely recurved, and, as well as the calyces and bracts, fimbriately ciliated and aristate. h. 1ft. 1781. (A. H. iii. 144.) ERICA r. major is a closer-growing form, with the corolla tubes stouter, pink, reddish-purple at the points, the lobes white. (B. M. 362.) ERICA rubens (red). fl. terminal; corolla purplish-red, ovate-globose, small. July and August. l. acerose, four in a whorl, hispid, spreading. h. 1ft. 1798. (A. H. i. 43.) ERICA rubro-calyx (red calyx).* fl. produced on the lateral growths, and disposed in dense spikes; corolla white, tubular; calyx reddish-purple. l. linear-lanceolate. Hybrid. (A. H. vi. 285.) ERICA sanguinea (bloody). fl. terminal, corymbose; corolla blood-red, tubular, nearly 1in. long. l. linear, three in a whorl, with revolute ciliated margins. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1799. (L. B. C. 86.) ERICA Savileana (Savile's).* fl. red or purplish-red; peduncles loosely racemose, axillary; corolla globose-oblong. April to September. l. four in a whorl, linear, glabrous, erect. h. 1ft. 1800. (A. H. v. 238. ERICA scabriuscula (roughish). fl. produced from the points of all the shoots; corolla white, campanulate. April, May. l. bluntly oblong, clothed with rough glandular hairs, as are also the stems and branches. h. 1ft. 1805. (L. B. C. 517.) ERICA scoparia (broom).* fl. greenish, in long, unilateral racemes; calyx lobes ovate, about one-half of corolla; corolla sub-globose, as broad as long; anthers without appendage. l. in scattered whorls of three each. Branches glabrous. h. 2ft. to 3ft. South Europe. Hardy. (Fl. Ment. 59.) ERICA Sebana (Seba's). fl. terminal, in threes; corolla pale brown; tube cylindrical, incurved, ventricose at the base; stamens much exserted. April to November. l. three or four in a whorl, recurvedly spreading. h. 2ft. 1774. (L. B. C. 23.) The following are three varieties of this species: fusca, flowers rich dark brown; lutea, flowers rich yellow; rubra, flowers rich reddish-brown. ERICA Shannoniana (Lady Shannon's).* fl. terminal, umbellate, drooping; calyx coloured; corolla white, tinged with purple, with a ventricose ribbed tube, 1 1/2in. long. June to September. l. three or four in a whorl, stiff, linear-lanceolate, spreading, each ending in a hair. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1806. (B. M. 4069.) ERICA speciosa (showy). fl. terminal, in threes; corolla dark red or reddish-purple, having a cylindrical, inflexed, curved tube, with a greenish-yellow mouth. June to September. l. linear, downy, spreading. h. 2ft. 1800. (A. H. iv. 192.) ERICA Spenceriana (Spencer's). fl. dull purplish-lilac, tubular, 1in. long tipped with white. Spring and summer. l. subulate, slightly spreading, smooth. Hybrid. ERICA splendens (splendid). fl. densely crowded, drooping; corolla deep red, downy, with a sub-revolute limb. April to September. l. linear, obtuse, spreading. h. 2ft. 1792. (A. H. v. 240.) ERICA stricta (upright). fl. terminal, umbellate; corolla three lines long, with an ovate urceolar tube, and reflexed segments. August to November. l. four in a whorl, obtuse, glabrous, bisulcate beneath. h. 2ft. to 3ft. South-western Europe, 1765. (A. E. ii. 134.) ERICA suaveolens (sweet-scented). fl. terminal; corolla pale red, urceolate; anthers a little exserted, black: August. l. three in a whorl, oblong-lanceolate, ciliated. h. 1ft. 1800. (A. H. vi. 292.) ERICA sulphurea (sulphur-coloured). fl. fasciculate, axillary and terminal, nearly sessile, horizontal; corolla cylindrical, trumpet-shaped, villous. June to October. l. linear, obtuse, villous. h. 2ft. 1805. (A. H. v. 241.) ERICA taxifolia (Yew-leaved). fl. in terminal clusters; corolla bright pink (as is also the calyx), globose, erect. May, June. l. three in a whorl, smooth, spreading. h. 1ft. 1788. (A. H. ii. 93.) ERICA Tetralix. Cross-leaved Heath. fl. capitate, terminal; corolla pale red, three lines long, ovate-globose, downy at top, outside. July to September. l. ciliated, four in a whorl. h. 6in. to 12in. Plant of a greyish hue. Europe (Britain). Hardy. (Sy. En. B. 889.) ERICA Thunbergii (Thunberg's). fl. sub-terminal, umbellate; corolla reddish-orange colour at top, and greenish-yellow at the base, with a globose tube and a large limb. February to August. l. three in a whorl, linear, glabrous, glaucous. h. 1ft. 1794. (B. M. 1214.) ERICA transparens (transparent). fl. large, crowded at the tops of the branches on every side, somewhat spicate; corolla six to seven lines long, tubular, bristly towards the apex outside. May. l. ovate-cuneated, shortly pectinate. h. 1 1/2ft. 1800. (A. H. vi. 295.) ERICA tricolor (three-coloured).* fl. terminal, usually about six together; corolla red at the base, white at top, but greenish-yellow about the contraction of the limb; viscid, with a large ventricose tube, and ovate-cordate, slightly crenulated segments. May to July. l. three in a whorl, linear, recurved, ciliated, as are also the bracts and calyces. h. 2ft. 1810. (P. M. B. vi. 3.) ERICA t. flammea (flame). fl. about 1 1/2in. long. l. bluntly oblong, slightly recurved, awned; edges clothed with a profusion of hoary hairs. ERICA t. inflata (inflated). fl. about 1in. long. l. erect, slightly spreading. Stems and branches densely clothed with hairy leaves. ERICA t. rubra (red).* fl. about 1in. long, reddish-purple, shading off to white, with a green neck. l. closely set, slightly spreading, hairy. ERICA t. speciosa (showy). fl. 1in. long, umbellate, slightly swollen below the rosy-red middle. l. linear-lanceolate, slightly spreading. ERICA t. Wilsoni (Wilson's).* fl. 1 1/2in. long, much inflated at the base, suddenly contracted at the neck. l. oblong-lanceolate, slightly spreading, profusely hairy. ERICA triumphans (triumphant). fl. white, axillary; calyx large, inflated, angular; corolla ovate, inflated, angular; corolla ovate, inflated. June, July. l. three in a whorl, subulate, ciliated. h. 2ft. 1802. (L. B. C. 257.) ERICA trossula (Spruce). fl. terminal; corolla with an open ventricose tube. May to July. l. four in a whorl, linear, glabrous. h. 1 1/2ft. 1806. ERICA vagans (wandering).* Cornish Heath. fl. axillary, racemose; corolla pale purplish-red, short, campanulate; pedicels usually twin. July to September. l. four or five in a whorl, acerose. h. 1ft. Western Europe (Cornwall). Hardy. (Sy. En. B. 893.) ERICA ventricosa (ventricose). fl. disposed in terminal umbellate fascicles; corolla purplish-red, with a ventricose tube, waxy; style inclosed. April to September. l. four in a whorl, short, acerose, semi-cylindrical, and, as well as the calyces and bracts, ciliated. h. 1 1/2ft. 1787. (B. M. 350.) Of this very handsome, compact, and free-branching Heath, there are numerous varieties. ERICA v. alba (white). fl. china white, tubular, about 1in. long. l. with short white woolly hairs at the edges. ERICA v. breviflora (short-flowered). fl. rosy-red, short, stout, thickest at the base. ERICA v. carnea (flesh-coloured). fl. flesh-colour, 1in. long, slightly swollen at the base. ERICA v. coccinea minor (lesser scarlet).* fl. white, slender, tubular; tubes 3/4 in. long; lobes of limb reflexed and bright red. (R. H. 1880, 50.) ERICA v. fasciculata rosea (rosy-fascicled). fl. stout, 1in. long; tube bright rose, deep purple at the neck. ERICA v. grandiflora (large-flowered).* fl. rosy-purple, stout, tubular, over 1in. in length. l. long, straight. ERICA v. splendens (splendid). fl. numerous, nearly 1in. long, swollen in the middle; tubes white; neck and limb rosy-purple and white. l. long, linear, recurved, hairy. ERICA v. tricolor (three-coloured).* fl. tubular, nearly 1in. long; tubes blush; neck carmine, reflexed; segments of limb white. l. linear, slightly reflexed. ERICA verticillata (verticillate). fl. crowded, nearly terminal, verticillate, drooping; corolla scarlet, with a cylindrical inflated tube, glabrous, constricted at top. July to October. l. linear, glabrous. h. 3ft. 1774. (A. H. i. 48.) ERICA vestita (clad).* fl. crowded, verticillate, nearly sessile, spreading; corolla white, cylindrical, more or less clavate, nine to eleven lines long, downy, with a revolute limb; calycine segments ciliated with glandular hairs. l. linear, erect, with scabrous edges. h. 3ft. 1789. The following are the more important forms: ERICA v. alba (white).* fl. hardly 1in. in length, pure white; whorls ten to twenty-flowered. (A. H. iii. 147.) ERICA v. coccinea (scarlet).* fl. deep rich red, about 1in. long, tubular, slightly curved. (A. H. iv. 199.) ERICA v. incarnata (flesh-coloured). fl. delicate pink, more than 1in. long, in whorls of from ten to twenty. (A. H. ii. 97.) ERICA v. rosea (rosy). fl. rosy-red, about 1in. long, in whorls of from twenty to thirty. ERICA Victoria (Victoria).* fl. deep purple, with white segments, umbellate, flask-shaped, 1in. or more long. Summer. l. somewhat ovate, awned, with short stiff spines round the edges. Hybrid. ERICA Westphalingia (Westphalian).* fl. rosy-red, tubular, 1in. long. Summer. l. linear-obtuse. Hybrid. ERICA Wilmoreana (Wilmore's).* fl. produced upon the lateral growths, in spikes of from 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long; corolla bell-shaped, nearly 3/4 in. long. Spring. l. linear, covered with short white hairs, as are also the branches. Hybrid.