Common Heath - native (Epacris impressa)

Family: Ericaceae (Erica family). It was formerly included in the Epacridaceae family.

Native.

Occurrence: It grows south of Castlemaine e.g. Fryers Ridge, where it is moderately common.

Identification:

• it usually an erect shrub
• the leaves narrow to a sharp point
• the veins of the leaf are parallel to the main vein
• the tubular flowers are white, pink or red
• the flower tubes have 5 small indentations near the base (and hence the name impressa).

Common Heath is Victoria's floral emblem.

Name. Epacris: from epi upon; acris a hill-top, from the habitat of the first named species.

Photos 1: Garden plant. 2-4: Colour variations. Fryers Ridge.