Erica australis, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1972, Flora Europaea. Volume 3. Diapensiacea to Myoporaceae, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press : 7

7. E. australis L. , Diss. Erica 9 (1770)

(incl. E. aragonensis Willk. ).

Slender shrub up to 2 m, with suberect branches; young twigs puberulent. Leaves 3-5-6 mm, in whorls of 4, linear, erecto-patent, glabrous at maturity; margins revolute, contiguous, completely concealing the lower surface. Flowers in clusters of 4-8, terminating short lateral branches, often grouped into lax, terminal panicles; pedicels 2-3 mm, pubescent, largely concealed by bract, with 3 bracteoles resembling the sepals and overlapping them. Sepals 2 mm, ovate, keeled, pubescent at least on keel and margins; corolla 6-9 mm, reddish-pink, tubular to narrowly campanulate, with revolute lobes; anthers included or partly exserted, with triangular, often fimbriate basal appendages. Ovary pubescent; stigma capitate. Heaths, scrub and open woods; calcifuge. Portugal, N., C. & W. Spain. Hs Lu.