Heath

Habitat

The habitat of the heather (Calluna vulgaris) is, as its name suggests, heathland. Interestingly, the heath is not a natural landscape, but a cultivated landscape, i.e. man-made. Nevertheless, it is important for the ecological balance, as it makes a decisive contribution to the preservation of biodiversity. However, the heathland is not only man-made, but also requires intensive care in order to survive. As heathland farming, which involves an arduous cycle of small-scale arable farming and grazing, is no longer economically viable, heathland is gradually disappearing from the German landscape. Many of the former heathland areas have been converted into farmland with the help of artificial fertilisers. Elsewhere, forests have reclaimed the areas that were no longer grazed. The selection of the heather as Flower of the Year 2019 is intended to draw attention to this fact and promote the preservation of heath as a habitat for Calluna vulgaris and other heather plants.

Picturesque heather

The broom heather is the perfect ambassador for heathland: with its bright flowers in purple, pink, red or white, it characterises the image of heathland like no other plant. During its flowering period, which extends from late summer to autumn, the blaze of colour often stretches as far as the eye can see. The broom heather probably got its name from the fact that its branches were once used for sweeping. The botanical name also refers to this characteristic: the genus name "Calluna" is derived from the Greek word "kalynein", which means "to make beautiful", "to cleanse". The fact that its branches are so robust is also utilised in other ways: Even today, the branches are still used to clad the ridges of thatched roofs. They defy all weather conditions and remain durable for years.

Special honey dispenser

The frugal Calluna vulgaris thrives best on lime-free and nutrient-poor soils. It proves that you can make a lot out of a little: As a popular bee pasture, it produces sugar-rich nectar, which the bees then convert into strong, gelatinous honey, which is very popular with beekeepers and is sold as "heather honey". Broom heather is also used in traditional medicine as a medicinal plant. The flowering herb tips have a blood-purifying, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect. It is widely used, for example as an ingredient in prescriptions for arteriosclerosis, cystitis, kidney stones, diabetes, rheumatism and insomnia.