Chapter 111. 

 THE HEATH FAMILY. 



This family as originally understood is a very large one, 

 and plants belonging to it are found in most parts of the 

 world. The species are varied in detail, just as its dis- 

 tribution is worldwide, and many are far from the form 

 we commonly associate with a Heath. 



In the early part of last century Kobert Brown noted 

 that there was one feature whch enabled the family to be 

 divided into two natural groups. In one the anther 

 maintained separate pollen chambers, and in most instances 

 dispersed the pollen through pores; in the other the 

 chambers coalesced to form one, and on maturity! split 

 along its whole length. The first group is the Ericaoese, 

 having the genus Erica for its type. It also includes the 

 unheath-like Kalmia, Azalia, Waxberry, and Rhododen- 

 dron. The second group having our common Heath, Epac- 

 ris, for its type, is called Epacridaceae, and includes also 

 our mountain Grasstrees. The Erica family is very widely 

 distributed ; we have four species, of which Waxberry is 

 the commonest. But its principal home is Europe, North 

 America, and South Africa. The Epacris family is much 

 more restricted, being almost confined to Australia and 

 New Zealand, a few species only crossing the Southern 

 Pacific. 



This latter family, which may be called the Australian 

 Heaths, is the subject of the present chapter. It is a large 

 group, and very common throughout Australia. They are 

 all shrubby in habit. Though some are small, they are 

 not of the succulent, temporary character we associate with 

 the name herb, and though others are tall, they do not 

 assume the proportion of trees. These three names, herb, 

 shrub, tree, are popular names incapable of accurate 

 definition, but they are too useful to be dispensed with. 

 Another feature of interest is that the leaves have always 

 a simple outline ; that is, they are never lobed or divided 

 into leaflets, and they are generally narrow, with parallel 

 veins, and of thick consistency. This constricted form 

 and thick structure is very suited to the dry sunny con- 

 dition of the Australian climate, and will be again referred 

 to. 



Our common Heath is one of the most beautiful wild 

 flowers. Though numerous, the flowers are arranged singly 



