The Ericaceae: The Rhododendrons, Azalea, Calluna vulgaris, Erica etc.

The Ericaceae is a relatively large family of flowering plants that include Rhododendron, Azaleas, Calluna, Erica and wintergreens. Most of the species are shrubs or trees and sun-loving plants that grow in acid soils. Bogs, pocosins, and moors are some habitats where Ericaceae can be found in abundance. The flowers in the family can be showy and insect pollinated or wind pollinated and brownish in color. Many members of the Ericaceae are important in horticulture (e.g., rhododendrons, azaleas) or in small fruit crops (cranberries, blueberries). Shrubs and trees are the most common growth form in the family, but some species are epiphytes, lianas, or extremely small mat-forming shrubs.