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.
AI Overview