Flora Detail
| Common Name | Heath Hardleaf |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Date Observed | 29-07-2021 |
| Category | Shrubs |
|---|---|
| Catalogue No. | 3315RGu |
| Flowering Time | Spring,Summer |
| Colour | White to Grey |
| Locations Observed | |
| Estuary | |
| Koppie | Few |
| Nature Reserve | Few |
| Small Holding | |
| Village | |
| Greater Rooiels | |
Phylica ericoides
Information
Heath Hardleaf
Phylica ericoides is a hardy, compact, evergreen shrub (up to 1m tall) native to South African coastal fynbos, known for its needle-like, heather-like foliage and fragrant, white, bee-attracting flowers. Ideal for water-wise, sunny, and sandy gardens, it provides year-round structure and blooms, particularly in late summer and autumn.
Key Details for Phylica ericoides:
Appearance: Compact, much-branched shrub, usually growing 0.6–1 m in height.
Leaves: Small (5–8 mm), dark green, and needle-like (ericoid) with margins rolled under (revolute).
Flowers: Small, white, and honey-scented, densely packed into rounded, button-like heads (corymbs).
Flowering Time: Mainly late summer to winter (February–June), though it can bloom year-round.
Habitat & Cultivation: Thrives in full sun, well-drained sandy or loam soil, and is highly suitable for coastal, windy, and dry conditions.
Uses: Popular in fynbos gardens, water-wise landscaping, and as a filler in floral bouquets due to its long vase life (10–14 days).
Propagation: Grown from cuttings in summer or autumn.
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