Erica plukenetii at Fernkloof

The flowers of Erica plukenetii, sometimes the coat-hanger heath, are usually pendulous or drooping (cernuous) as in the photo. The flowers of this variable species have many colours and forms. Pink, orange, red-purple and white with green lobes are some of them.

The flowers mostly grow solitary from small side-branches on long pedicels that vary between 8 mm and 12 mm in length. The bracteoles behind the flower are small and scale-like, behind the calyx. The membranous sepals are long, lanceolate, keeled and tapering to their tips. They are thin and dry.

The corolla varies in length between 10 mm and 18 mm, the tube variably inflated near its base and slightly curved. The corolla lobes usually do not curve, but are pointed, sometimes acutely, sometimes obtusely. The exserted, brown (or sometimes yellowish) anthers are long and linear.

Flowering happens throughout the year although less in summer (Manning and Helme, 2024; Clarke and Mackenzie, 2007; Baker and Oliver, 1967; iNaturalist).