Erica taxifolia buds and leaves

These buds of Erica taxifolia are growing in a dense stem-tip cluster, structured as an umbel. A few more flowers usually emerge lower down from some upper leaf axils. The outer buds in the cluster open first. The flower stalks are up to 4 mm long and sometimes hairy.

The leaves of E. taxifolia are named for resembling the leaf shape of the yew tree (of the genus Taxus), not suggesting that they might beckon taxi drivers for a ride. The leaves grow in whorls of three, gradually spreading more widely from early ascending positions and becoming on average 1 cm in length.

Leaf-shape is linear or oblong, tapering to an acute tip and grooved in the centre. The blades that bulge between the margins are longer than those of most Erica species. In the photo the leaf-tips show yellow or brown discolouring here (Baker and Oliver, 1967; www.plantzafrica.com).