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Family: Ericaceae Scientific name: Erica lusitanica Description: Plant Form: Upright heathy shrub. Size: Up to 1.5 m tall. Stem: Young stems green and hairy, older stems woody and thick. Leaves: In whorls of 3 or 4 at stem nodes, small green and narrow to 7 mm long. Flowers: Bell shaped, white or pinkish, in clusters of 3-4 forming masses in upper branches. Fruit and Seeds: Small capsule to 3 mm long with numerous tiny seeds. Habitat: Grassland and open woodlands, pastures, roadsides, coastal heathland. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from native heath species (Ericaceae) by leaves in whorls rather than alternately arranged.