Erica baccans new stem-tip growth

In the growing season whitish green Erica baccans leaves appear at the stem-tips. They are softer, more densely clustered, and less visibly defined than the established, dark green leaves lower down, white-lined along the back. All the leaves ascend. The older ones either curve in clearly or are straight. Leaf length is also notably inconsistent.

Stem-tips growing flowers in the photo lack the leaf growth (Manning and Helme, 2024; Manning, 2007; iNaturalist).