EPACRIS

a genus of gamopetalous Dicotyledons, the typical genus of the nat. ord. Epacridacex, distinguished by having a coloured calyx with many bracts, a tubular corolla with smooth limb, stamens affixed to the corolla, and a five-valvyed many-seeded capsule. The species are shrubby plants, with axillary, white, red, or purple flowers, generally in leafy spikes. Among those cultivated in Britain we may mention #. grandifidra, which has flowers nearly an inch in length, of a brilliant reddish purple at the base and pure white at the apex. The order Epacridacez consists of plants allied to the heaths, chiefly natives of Australia. The fruit of some species is eaten under the name of Australian crauberry, and they are cultivated in greenhouses for their flowers.