What is Erica andevalensis?
erica andevalensis, Also known as mining heather or "heather of the mines", is a species of shrub belonging to the family ericaceae. It is a very particular endemic plant of the Andévalo region in the province of Huelva, located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Its scientific name refers directly to this region, with the epithet "andevalensis" referring to Andévalo.
This species represents an important biodiversity and endemism value for Iberian ecosystems, since it is restricted to a very specific geographical area.
Taxonomy and classification
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Subclass: ericales
- Order: ericales
- Family: ericaceae
- Subfamily: Ericoides
- Tribe: Ericeae
- Gender: Erica
- Species: erica andevalensis Cabezudo & J. Rivera
This classification is consistent with most recognized botanical bases and is accepted in international and regional flora registries.
Etymology and synonyms
Name Erica derives from the Latin “erica,-ae”, traditionally used to designate heather and related plants. The epithet andevalensis refers to his place of origin, the Andévalo region.
Among its most notable historical botanical synonyms are:
- Erica mackaiana subsp. andevalensis (Cabezudo & J. Rivera) DC McClint. & E. C. Nelson
- erica andevalensis f. albiflora DC McClint.
- erica tetralix sensu Willk., Suppl. Prodr. Fl. Hispan.
These names reflect the complex history of their identification and classification within the genus Erica.
Morphological characteristics of Erica andevalensis
erica andevalensis It is a shrub that can reach up to 1 meters tallIts morphology adapts to the extreme conditions of its habitat, presenting a compact structure and remarkable resistance.
Its leaves are small, arranged in whorls, linear and with a light tone. intense greenThey usually have a texture leathery which protects them from drying out, an important adaptation for surviving in mineral and inhospitable environments.
Flowering covers the months of June to November, showing inflorescences in terminal racemes. The flowers are small and tubular, whitish to pinkish in color, providing a delicate visual appeal to the shrub. This prolonged flowering pattern is essential for the reproduction and survival of the species, especially in the irregular climates typical of the Iberian Pyrite Belt.
The general appearance of the plant, its size up to 1 meter and the color of its flowering, contribute to its field identification.
Geographic distribution and endemism
The distribution of erica andevalensis es extremely reduced. It is a species endemic of Andévalo region (province of Huelva) and especially of the Iberian Pyritic BeltThis geological strip contains high concentrations of minerals and has been historically exploited for mining, hence the natural habitats of the plant are mostly located on mining waste dumps, watercourse edges and Gossan outcrops.
Populations have been recorded mainly in the area of Rio Tinto, as well as on the banks of the Odiel River. It can also be found in adjacent areas provided that soil conditions are favorable. Similar, although its participation in other ecosystems is testimonial.
Habitat and ecology
One of the most relevant and specific aspects of erica andevalensis is its ecological specialization. Lives on very acidic soils with a high concentration of heavy metals, a direct consequence of the strong mining presence in the region.
Their favorite habitats include:
- Waste dumps from active or abandoned mines
- Edges and beds of streams and rivers, especially where the substrate shows clear signs of mineralization
- Rocky outcrops called Gossan, rich in iron oxides and other metals
In these environments, plant competition is scarce due to the toxicity of the soil; however, erica andevalensis has developed physiological adaptations that allow it to thrive where very few species can survive.
Plant associations and surrounding biodiversity
In its natural habitat, erica andevalensis can be found forming monospecific populations at the ends of the dumps or next to the riverbeds, although it can also coexist with other species adapted to soils poor and sour. Among the accompanying flora, the following stand out:
- erica australis
- cistus ladanifer (sticky rockrose)
- Cistus populifolius
- cistus monspeliensis
- cistus crispus
- erica umbellata
- Erica scoparia
- Genista polyanthos
- nerium oleander (oleander)
- Flueggea tinctoria (formerly Securinega tinctoria)
- Pyrus pyraster (wild pear)
- Quercus coccifera (kermes oak)
- Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree)
This fascinating plant community defines the uniqueness of the ecosystems of waste dumps and riverbanks in the Pyrite Belt and contributes to the biological Diversity .
Conservation status and threats
erica andevalensis It is officially listed as endangered specie, both by Andalusian and international regulations (IUCN). Its inclusion in the Red List of Vascular Flora of Andalusia It underlines the critical risk of extinction that the species faces if effective protection measures are not implemented.
The main threats it faces are:
- Alteration and destruction of their habitat due to mining activities, infrastructure construction and polluting discharges.
- Population fragmentation, which hinders its genetic and reproductive viability.
- Soil and water pollution, altering the complex soil balances on which it depends.
- Hydrological changes that affect the regime of channels and sinks.
El high degree of ecological specialization This species' characteristics make it very sensitive to any environmental modification, so that, although the distribution areas remain physically accessible, the alteration of chemical or physical conditions can be lethal for its populations.
Conservation and protection measures
To safeguard the persistence of erica andevalensis, various strategies have been implemented, including:
- legal protection through their inclusion in lists of threatened flora.
- Restriction of mining activities in areas critical for the species.
- Ecological restoration and erosion control projects on abandoned mining sites.
- Population monitoring and census to study its dynamics and evolution.
- Research on their reproductive biology and nursery propagation for possible reintroductions.
Collaboration between public institutions, researchers, and environmental stakeholders is essential for the survival of the species.
Ecological and heritage importance
Beyond its rarity, erica andevalensis constitutes a botanical heritage of great scientific and cultural value. Its survival represents the capacity of Iberian ecosystems to adapt to extreme conditions and helps us understand evolutionary processes in areas of strong human impact.
Likewise, its presence in highly altered environments can be used as bioecological indicator the health of these spaces, guiding future restoration and environmental management actions.
Differences with other Erica species
Although it shares morphological characteristics with other heathers of the genus Erica, erica andevalensis It is mainly distinguished by:
- Its exclusive association with mining habitats of the Iberian Pyrite Belt
- Its geographical limitations to the province of Huelva
- Details in floral and leaf morphology that experts recognize as key to their identification
It is important not to confuse it with erica australis, erica umbellata o Erica scoparia, although they may coexist in certain areas and show similarities in their external appearance.
Additional information and resources
For those who wish to delve deeper into the study and conservation of erica andevalensis, there are reference resources and scientific communities that work actively in the region, such as the University of Huelva and platforms of Andalusian and Spanish flora.
- Wikipedia entry
- Flower of Andalusia: Erica andevalensis
- Waste Magazine: Heather from the Mines
- Cantueso Natural Seeds: Erica andevalensis Seeds