STILBE ERICOIDES

INTRODUCTION

Stilbe ericoides, also known as Candlestick Heath or Pink Stilbe, brightens the fynbos with its pink pom-poms of upright, cylindrical flower spikes.

DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT

Stilbe ericoides is endemic to the Cape Floristic Region. It grows on sandy flats and limestone hills in the coastal regions from Hopefield to De Hoop in the Western Cape.

In Rooiels, it is common among the fynbos. From the smallholding gate, walk towards the WWF smallholding, where numerous plants flower on both sides of the road from May to September.

At first glance they are easy to overlook, their slender flower spikes blending into the surrounding fynbos. But once your eyes have tuned in to them, you will never miss them again.

DERIVATION OF NAME & POLLINATION

The name Stilbe is derived from the Greek word stilbo, meaning "to shine" or "to glisten", referring to the way the flowers catch the sunlight.

The species name ericoides means "looking like an Erica." Interestingly, it is not the flowers but the fine, heath-like leaves that resemble those of an Erica.

The glistening flower spikes attract a variety of insects, which pollinate the flowers as they forage for nectar.

FIRE & SURVIVAL

Stilbe ericoides is a resprouter, happily growing again after a fynbos fire and lighting up the landscape with its cheerful pink "candlesticks."

Although fire destroys the above-ground parts of the plant, a woody rootstock survives at or just below ground level, containing buds and food reserves. Like so many fynbos species, it responds to the first winter rains by producing vigorous new growth.

CONSERVATION STATUS:

Least Concern.

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