Cross-Leaved Heath is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in wet heath or wet poor soil, to a mature height of up to 25cm.
Cross-Leaved Heath is named after the arrangement of its leaves, which are arranged singly, pointing upwards, with four leaves per whorl around the stem. The plant has long stems, giving it a straggly appearance. Both the stem and leaves are hairy. The flowers of Cross-Leaved Heath have an enclosed bell-shape (sometimes called 'urn-shape') formed from a single fused petal, with a four-lobed opening. These are usually pink and borne in terminal clusters, drooping to one side of the stem.
Botanic classification and naming: Cross-Leaved Heath is a member of the Heath (Ericaceae) family. The genus name
'Erica' identifies the plant as a Heath plant and its species name 'tetralix' means 'four-leaved'.
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