Erica arborea
Specifications
Family
Ericaceae
Species
Erica arborea L.
tree heath
white heath
Description
The colour is pinkish-brown, the texture is fine, the grain varies, the volumetric weight ranges from 0.80 to 0.90.
Plant morphology
An erect evergreen shrub, it can reach 3-5 meters in height. The bark is reddish, the leaves are needle-like, persistent, and leathery, dark green, usually in whorls of four. The flowers, which begin to appear as early as March, are small, pendulous, very numerous, creamy white, and fragrant. The fruits are capsules containing numerous seeds.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
North and Central-Eastern Africa, Southern Europe, Canary Islands.
Habitat and ecology
A thermophilic species, it thrives in areas with a Mediterranean climate or those with Mediterranean influences. It is characteristic of the Mediterranean scrub or the xerophilous pre-Alpine hillsides (in Italy, for example, it is common along south-facing slopes overlooking the large subalpine lakes).
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
Its wood is rarely sought for processing; it generally provides bundles and firewood. The so-called "heather log" is the raw material for briar pipes and small objects.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Not obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
880
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
High
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
High
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Not very durable
Insect resistance
Not resistant