Studies in the Ericoideae (Ericaceae). XV. The generic relationship between Erica and Ericinella

Abstract

The small African genus Ericinella Klotzsch, with one species in Malawi and SW Tanzania and three in the Eastern Cape is shown to exhibit variability in its delimiting characters that overlap with those of Blaeria L. and Philippia Klotzsch, both of which have recently been included under Erica. It is postulated that the genus, like the two above, is unnatural and polyphyletic. The genus is therefore included under Erica and the relevant nomenclatural changes are provided: Erica amatolensis E.G.H. Oliv., nom. nov. (= Ericinella multiflora Klotzsch), E. passerinoides (Bolus) E.G.H. Oliv., comb, nov., E. hillburttii (E.G.H. Oliv.) E.G.H. Oliv., comb, nov., and E. microdonta (C.H. Wright) E.G.H. Oliv., comb. nov.