Common (or Pink) Heath

What Is the Common (Pink) Heath?

The Common Heath comes in a variety of colours – scarlet, crimson, rose pink and white. The pink was selected as Victoria's floral emblem by representatives of Victorian government departments in 1951 and was given official recognition in 1958.

The Common Heath is most often found to be a small shrub of less than a metre in height however it can reach 2-3 metres in some locations. The branches are stiff and have small leaves with a sharp point at the end. The flowers are narrow and tubular, up to 2.5 centimetres in length, and occur in often densely packed clusters among the ends of the branches. The flowers contain nectar and are frequented by honey-eating birds. Flowering occurs from autumn through to spring.

Where Does the Common Heath Grow?

The Common Heath is found mainly in southern Victoria's semi-shaded west foothills and coastal heathlands. Examples of parks it inhabits include; Grampians National Park and Little Desert National Park. It grows in areas from sea level to 1200 metres, and can also be found in NSW, SA and Tasmania.

Other Interesting Facts about the Common Heath

The tubular flowers of the Common Heath have nectar at the bottom and pollen near its opening. Pollination occurs thanks to Honeyeaters who put their beaks deep into the flower so that they can drink the nectar and in the process they pick up pollen on their heads. The microscopic pollen grains have narrow fins on them which are designed to slide between the edges of feathers so that they are carried away by the bird.

Want to Know More?

www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/vic.emblem.html