ERICA LABIALIS

Family: Ericaceae
Common name: Two-lipped Heath

FLOWERS ALL YEAR

Erica labialis, or Two-lipped Heath, is an upright, hardy shrub characterised by its distinctive two-lipped corolla.

It flowers throughout the year and is quite common in our area. You will notice it flowering all the way from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond and beyond.

The plant seems to be almost permanently covered in either flower buds or flowers. The flowers have a lovely honey scent — but don't stick your nose in for a better whiff. There may be a bee or tiny wasp in there!

There are several similar-looking ericas growing in the same area, and they can easily be confused.

HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION

Erica labialis grows on rocky, sandy slopes and flats. It is found on the Cape Peninsula and from Tulbagh to the Kogelberg area, including Rooiels and neighbouring villages. Its distribution continues along the Kleinrivier Mountains to Elim.

Conservation status: Least Concern.

Click to find out more on Inaturalist