Genus Erica: An Identification Aid (Version 4.02)

This is a computer package that is designed to help you identify an Erica. The package:

• Is easy to use with online help that allows the understanding of Erica characters.
• Assists in identifying Ericas, by entereing relevant characters that describe the Erica. Characters in aiding the identification may be set for a direct match or probability to the Erica in question.
• Caters for Ericas of the world covering Europe, Africa and Madagascar with the highlight being that of the Cape Fynbos where most Erica species occur naturally.
• Contains an almost complete portfolio of many pictures and drawings.
• Compares Ericas for similarities and/or differences.  The characters used for comparing Ericas may be configured.
• Prints a species list for regions or a 25km x 25km grid reference given the 1: 50000 South African topographical map name or grid reference. Species lists for all other characters and combinations can be generated.  This is useful if you are visiting an area and would like to know which Ericas occur there.
• Displays Precis distribution maps for Ericas on a 25km x 25km grid using Google Earth as well as GBIF distribution maps using Google Earth.
• Has a botanical reference to the literature for relevant scientific publications.
• Provides links to World Flora Online, e-Flora and iNaturalist.
• Sorts Erica species by Species or Id number (modification of Flora Capensis) or Schumann for quick access.
• Multiple photographs can be displayed for a species and many more are available in this version, some from iNaturalist.
• Research Data that can be used by scientists has been added.

The aid runs on a Microsoft Windows platform only and is available for download here.

June 2025