The
plant family 'Ericaceae' (also called the ''heath family'' or ''ericaceous plants'') are mostly
lime-hating or
calcifuge plants that thrive in
acid soils. The family Ericaceae includes numerous plants from mostly temperate climates:
cranberry,
blueberry,
heath,
heather,
huckleberry,
azalea and
rhododendron are well-known examples.
Recent genetic research by the
Angiosperm Phylogeny Group has resulted in the inclusion of the formerly recognised families Empetraceae, Epacridaceae,
Monotropaceae, Prionotaceae and
Pyrolaceae into Ericaceae. Most Ericaceae, except Monotropaceae, Prionotaceae and Pyrolaceae form
ericoid mycorrhiza. This symbiotic relationship is considered crucial to the success of members of the family in
edaphically stressful environments worldwide (Cairney and Meharg, 2003).

'''Erica junonia'' Bolus'
Genera
External links
★
Ericaceae in
L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants.
★
Neotropical blueberries reference at New York Botanical Garden (very detailed, keys to genera and species, etc.)
References
★ Cairney, JWG & Meharg, AA (2003). Ericoid mycorrhiza: a partnership that exploits harsh edaphic conditions. ''European Journal of Soil Science'' '54', 735-740.