Erica patersonii Andrews

국표에 없다.

This is one of a number of erica species that are threatened by urban expansion and farming practices.

Erica patersonii is an erect, sparsely branched shrub growing up to 1 m tall. The branches are densely covered with tufts of dark green, needle-like leaves. The bright, golden yellow, waxy, tubular flowers are arranged in closely packed spikes on the middle to upper section of the stem. The flowering stem resembles corn on the cob, which gives it its common name, mielie heath. Branching occurs mainly at the base of the stem and is woody and often bare.

Conservation Initiatives: In situ conservation

Conservation in the natural habitat is always better than trying to keep collections of plants in pots or garden displays in Botanical Gardens or private collections.

Erica patersonii is under considerable pressure in its natural habitat because coastal lowlands are prime areas for housing developments. It was recorded from the coastal flats at Hermanus over 100 years ago, but is no longer found there because the area is built up. It is found in patches in the Betty's Bay and Kleinmond area, but building operations are continually reducing its habitat. 

The remaining viable populations are at Cape Point and in the mountains near Stanford. The Cape Peninsula populations at Cape Point were severely reduced in the past by ruthless picking. The relatively secure area within the Peninsula National Park may become its last locality if indiscriminate development continues.

Erica patersonii grows in wet or marshy, reed-covered flats along the Western Cape coastal plain and on the mountains near Stanford. Its distribution extends from Cape Point on the Cape Peninsula, Betty's Bay, Kleinmond as far as the Klein Rivier Mountains near Stanford. It is also recorded from Hermanus, but this habitat has all but been swallowed up by expansion of the town. The Betty's Bay and Kleinmond populations are becoming severely depleted by development.

Erica patersonii is named in honour of Lieutenant William Paterson (1755-1810) who made four collecting journeys into South Africa. He was sent by Sir Joseph Banks to make observations on the natural history of the land.

Erica patersonii | PlantZAfrica (sanbi.org)

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