Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull
Erica vulgaris L., C. elegantissima Sennen
Eng.: Heather. Spa.: Brecina. Fre.: Callune, brande.
Shrub or subshrub, evergreen, hermaphrodite, up to 1 m in height, sometimes taller, irregular in shape, very ramose almost from the base. Branches extended or erect, with brown-greyish bark. Branchlets yellowish or reddish, that may be somewhat pubescent when young, then glabrous, (though sometimes there are specimens with densely tomentose, villous branchlets). Leaves very small (1-3.5 × 0.5-1 mm), sessile; squamiform, folded longitudinally, arranged opposite from each other and closed together, which gives branchlets a very peculiar appearance; branchlets have a 4 point star shape in cross section. Leaf hairiness is highly variable, but always ± scarce. Inflorescence in terminal racemes, dense. Flowers very small (3-4 mm), axillary, with 4 pinkish sepals, slightly larger than the corolla. Corolla also pink and divided into 4 lobes, erect, not revolute at the top. Anthers included, with 2 entire appendages. Fruit a rounded capsule, 1-2.5 mm, dehiscing in 4 valves. Seeds small (0.5-0.7 mm), ellipsoid.
Flowering:
In spring to autumn.
Fruiting:
About 2 months after flowering.
Habitat:
Calcifuge species. It grows in areas with oceanic influence, sometimes forming large populations. From subhumid to humid bioclimate, on thermomediterranean and mesomediterranean floors, with mild winters.
Distribution:
Europe and western Asia. In North Africa this species grows highly localised in forests and thickets (heathland) of north Atlantic Morocco.
Conservation status:
Common and widespread species. Currently, it has not been assessed at a global level in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In the Livre Rouge de la flore vasculaire du Maroc (Fennane, 2021) it has been considered as Vulnerable (VU).
