Erica verticillata, commonly known as the Cape Flats Heath, is an evergreen shrub that was endemic to the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos region near Cape Town, South Africa, before becoming extinct in the wild. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters and has a spread of 1 meter. The plant is characterized by its fine, needle-like leaves and produces clusters of tubular pink flowers from late summer to autumn, which are particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees and sunbirds.

Erica verticillata is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in cultivation for rockeries, heath gardens, and as a container plant. It thrives in acidic, well-drained, seasonally moist sandy soils and requires full sun to part shade. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain a compact form and encourage flowering. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. The three forms—Kirstenbosch, Pretoria, and Kew—vary slightly in flower color and form, offering gardeners a choice for landscape design. This species has been successfully reintroduced into protected areas like Rondevlei Nature Reserve, demonstrating the potential for conservation through horticulture.CC BY-SA 4.0