26. Phyllodoce Salisbury, Parad. Lond. 1: plate 36. 1806.
Mountain heather [A sea-nymph in Greek mythology, allusion obscure]
John G. Packer, A. Joyce Gould
Shrubs. Stems spreading to erect, (much-branched); young branches usually glandular-hairy, older branches glabrous or puberulent, (roughened peglike projections remaining after fall of leaves, exfoliating). Leaves persistent, alternate; petiole present; blade coriaceous, margins entire, serrulate, or glandular-serrulate, (appearing revolute, abaxial surface less than 1/3 visible). Inflorescences terminal, umbellate, corymbiform, or spikelike clusters, 2-30-flowered, sometimes flowers solitary; perulae absent. Flowers bisexual, radially symmetric, sepals 5, connate basally; petals 5, connate for 1/2+ their lengths, corolla deciduous, urceolate, campanulate, or cylindric; stamens (8-)10, included or exserted; anthers not awned, dehiscent by terminal slits; ovary 5-locular; style included or exserted; stigma capitate. Fruits capsular, broadly ovoid to globose, dehiscence basipetally septicidal. Seeds 100+, ellipsoid, narrowly winged, not tailed; testa smooth. x = 12.
Species 8 (5 in the flora): North America, Eurasia.
SELECTED REFERENCE Watson, T. J. 1977b. An analysis of populations formed by hybridization between Phyllodoceempetriformis and P. glanduliflora (Ericaceae). Rhodora 79: 1-16.
