New species of Erica (Ericaceae) from the Cape Province

Abstract

Three new species of Erica L. (Ericaceae) are described from the southern parts of the Cape Province.  E. amicorum E.G.H. Oliver, an endemic marsh species from the Langeberg near Riversdale, is one of the most distinctive species in the genus on account of its almost free reflexed petals, reflexed stamens and exserted gynoecium. The mat-forming  E. tegetiformis E.G.H Oliver is allied to E. senilis Klotzsch ex Benth. and E. eriophoros Guth. & Bol., all occurring at high altitudes in the Cold Bokkeveld and Cedarberg.  E. cunoniensis E.G.H. Oliver is allied to the E. squarrosa Salisb./E.  gysbertii Guth. & Bol. complex and is very localized in the mountains of the western part of the Caledon Division near Rooi Els.