Erica baccans

Erica baccans, commonly known as berry heath, is a large, erect and bushy to willowy shrub with hairless stems reaching 3 m in height. The specific name, baccans, is derived from Latin, meaning berry-like, referring to the flower shape. 

This Erica is classified in a group of species called Trigemma by Baker and Oliver, plants characterised by stem-tip flowers in threes or fours, the calyces conspicuous and coloured. In the classification of Manning and Helme, the species forms part of the cloaked heaths that have large, papery, petal-like sepals around cup- or urn-shaped corollas. 

The species distribution is lower to middle elevations of Cape Peninsula mountain slopes. 

The habitat is sandy flats and slopes covered in fynbos. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century.

The species is a success in horticulture but too successful in Australia where it has escaped and invaded some grasslands and more (Manning and Helme, 2024; Clarke and Mackenzie, 2007; Manning, 2007; Baker and Oliver, 1967; iNaturalist; iSpot; https://pza.sanbi.org; http://redlist.sanbi.org).