Flora Detail

Common Name Candlestick Heath
Family Stilbaceae (Candlestick Family)
Date Observed 29-04-2023
Category Shrubs
Catalogue No. 3553RGu
Flowering Time Autumn,Winter
Colour Pink to Mauve
Locations Observed
Estuary
Koppie
Nature Reserve
Small Holding Few
Village
Greater Rooiels Few

Stilbe ericoides

Information

Candlestick Heath

Erica ericoides (Ericaceae) - Honey Heath
Stilbe ericoides, known as the pink stilbe, is an erect or straggling, resprouting shrublet endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. It grows up to 600 mm tall with velvety branches, small, overlapping linear-subulate leaves, and dense, terminal spikes of pink flowers that bloom from May to September. 
Key Details of Stilbe ericoides:
Description: An ericoid shrublet with branches covered in tiny leaves, creating a heath-like appearance.
Flowers: Pink flowers are arranged in upright, cylindrical, or rounded terminal spikes, 13–19 mm long.
Leaves: Small (3–6 mm), glabrous, and arranged in whorls of 4, with overlapping, ascending leaves.
Habitat & Range: Native to South Africa's Western Cape, it is commonly found on sandy flats or limestone hills, typically within the fynbos biome.
Characteristics: It is a hardy, fire-adapted, or resprouting shrublet that attracts various pollinators.
Stilbe ericoides is often found in the fynbos, thriving in well-drained, sandy soils. It belongs to the family Stilbaceae.
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