Eriaceae

Eriaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the heath or heather family. It belongs to the order Ericales and is characterized by its diversity of growth forms, including shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants. Many members of this family are ericaceous, meaning they are adapted to acidic, nutrient-poor soils. The leaves are often evergreen, simple, and leathery, arranged spirally or in whorls. Flowers are typically bisexual, sympetalous, and campanulate or urceolate in shape, often displaying vibrant colors such as pink, red, or white.

The family encompasses a wide range of genera, with some of the most well-known including Erica (heaths), Rhododendron (rhododendrons and azaleas), Kalmia (mountain laurel), and Arbutus (strawberry tree). These plants are found across the globe, with a significant concentration in temperate regions, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, but also extending into mountainous areas of the tropics. Eriaceae species play important ecological roles, often forming dominant vegetation in heathlands and moorlands. Many are also cultivated for their ornamental value in gardens worldwide. The family is of economic importance for its horticultural species and, in some cases, for edible fruits.