Botanical name

Erica caffra

Family

Ericaceae

Common Name

Waterheide, Water Heath, Rice Heath
Erica caffra
Erica caffra
Erica caffra
Erica caffra
Erica caffra
Erica caffra

Description

Erect sturdy, shrub or small tree up to 4m with strong twisted branches. Leaves are 3-nate, slightly open-backed; flowers are conical, white, finely hairy and with small spreading lobes; scented.

Both the common name and the specific name are very apt, Water Heath, alludes to its preferred habitat near or in water;  caffra = the breadth of its distribution (caffer = South African). 

Habitat

Streamsides, flats and mountain slopes

Flower Date

July to October