Erica baccans L.
Half-hardy, robust, erect, many-branched heath with axillary whorls, to 2.5cm long, each with 4 spherical, deep pink flowers, 6mm across, with keeled, dark pink sepals, in winter and spring. To 2.5m. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Seba, a Dutch writer, appears first to have noticed this Heath; he figures it in his Museum, and distinguishes it by the name of Arbutus-flowered, which Mr. Aiton has retained. This very elegant and ornamental species grows to a considerable height, and in favourable situations produces abundance of flowers early in the summer, which are remarkable, though not particularly so, for being enveloped with a calyx of the same colour. It is a native of the Cape, and was introduced by Mr. Masson in 1774. [BM t.358/1797].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.419/1843]. Probably obtained from Loddiges’ nursery. See Erica nudiflora L. Erica baccans is listed in both the 1830 and 1836 editions of Loddiges’ catalogues held at Camden Park and marked with a ‘c’ in the latter. [CPA].
Notes
Published Jan 09, 2009 - 11:19 AM | Last updated Sep 29, 2011 - 05:09 PM
Erica baccans L. | BM t.358 | BHL
| Family | Ericaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Arbutus-flowered heath |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Erica baccans
|
| Confidence level | high |