Erica arborea - forest broom (Square vase 9x9x13 cm)

Genus of over 800 species of shrubs, trees and evergreens, present in Europe and the African continent. Erica arborea is a shrub or small evergreen tree up to 5 m tall with an erect habit and compact foliage. The leaves are small, needle-like, dark green in color. The branches and trunk have reddish-grey fissured bark. In late winter and early spring it produces numerous small white bell-shaped flowers which are pleasantly scented. The fruits are small capsules containing numerous seeds. Honey plant much sought after by bees from which excellent, highly prized honey is obtained.

Pedoclimatic needs

It is a classic element of the Mediterranean scrub and grows preferably in coastal environments that are not too cold. It requires loose soils with an acidic pH, preferring those well endowed with organic substance even if it often behaves as a pioneer by colonizing bare soils or garrigues. It prefers full sun exposure but also adapts to partial shade. Partially rustic, it extends from the coasts to the mountains up to 800 m above sea level. It resists minimum temperatures reaching -5°/-7°C for short periods.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Erica arborea

Family: Ericaceae