About Erica mammosa L.
Erica mammosa, commonly known as nine-pin heath, is a flowering plant species in the Ericaceae family. This species naturally occurs only in the southwestern corner of the Western Cape, South Africa. It is a shrub that grows 2.5 metres (8 feet) tall and wide, and produces large numbers of flowers in colours ranging from light pink to orange to bright red. Its species epithet mammosa means 'with breasts', which refers to the flowers' udder-like tubular shape. Erica mammosa is grown as an ornamental garden plant. In the United Kingdom, it has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Like many types of heather, this plant is a calcifuge, which means it requires acidic soil to grow. It needs a sunny, sheltered location with good sharp drainage. It can tolerate low temperatures down to 0 °C (32 °F), but cannot survive freezing conditions.
