Systematics, natural history, and conservation of Erica (Ericaceae)

By

Pirie, Michael
Coetzee, Anina
Fagúndez, Jaime
Forest, Félix
Musker, Seth
Nelson, E. Charles
Van Der Niet, Timotheüs
Ojeda, Fernando

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-06-06

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

257

Pages

119--124

Subjects

Biodiversity crisis , Global Conservation Consortium for Erica , integrated plant conservation , Pollination , species identification , threat status , World Flora Online

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.257.159429

 

Abstract

Worldwide, many tens of thousands of plant species are threatened with extinction in the wild. Those that are naturally rare or have narrow distributions are particularly vulnerable. The flowering plant genus Erica is a prime example, its numerous species presenting additional challenges associated with conserving large, complex, plant groups. This topical collection of papers represents a substantial body of research on inter-dependent themes in nomenclature, taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology, and conservation of Erica species. It will serve as a lasting resource and reference, helping us to better understand, describe, and name species diversity and improving our knowledge of the complexity of ecological interactions in the wild. These advances will aid and champion conservation of natural habitats and support targeted efforts to secure the most critically endangered species in seed banks and botanic gardens.