Erica umbellata, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1972, Flora Europaea. Volume 3. Diapensiacea to Myoporaceae, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press : 7

8. E. umbellata L. , Sp. Pl. 352 (1753).

Dwarf shrub 20-80 cm; young twigs pubescent. Leaves 3-4 mm, in whorls of 3, linear, suberect, more or less pubescent or glandular-ciliate when young, later glabrous; margins revolute, contiguous, completely concealing the lower surface. Flowers in terminal umbels of 3-6; pedicels 2-4 mm, pubescent, with 2-3 bracteoles immediately below the sepals. Sepals 2 mm, ovate, shortly ciliate; corolla 3-5—5-5 mm, bright pinkish-purple, subglobose to broadly campanulate, with erect lobes; anthers usually exserted, without appendages. Ovary glabrous; stigma obconical. Heaths, scrub and open woods; calcifuge. W. half o f Iberian peninsula. Hs Lu. Plants generally similar to 8, but with pedicels up to 7 mm, corolla 6-6-5 mm, and anthers abortive and included, occur here and there throughout its range. They may be hybrids, but the identity of the other parent is obscure.