Erica viscaria subsp. longifolia leaves

The rigid leaves of Erica viscaria subsp. longifolia ascend in a regularly spaced, overlapping pattern in fours (or more) up the stems. This plant was previously known as E. longifolia, the specific name meaning long leaves.

The leaf-shape is thinly needle-like, long and curving inwards to a sharp point. In the photo thin, white, longitudinal lines are visible at the back of the leaves where the leaf margins are rolled under, reducing the exposure of lower leaf surfaces and thereby retaining moisture (Bean and Johns, 2005; Baker and Oliver, 1967; iSpot).