This unusual shrub is displaying delicate flowers on the Systematic Beds.
The potato family (Solanaceae) contains over 100 genera, and between 3,000 and 4,000 species from across the globe. Members of the family are either herbaceous perennials, annuals or biennials, or trees or shrubs. Fabiana imbricata, is one of 16 species from Peru and Argentina. It is a shrubby Chilean species reaching 2.5m in height and spread. The branches are covered in tiny, evergreen, needle-like leaves, and in early summer solitary flowers to 1.5cm in length are produced. In appearance it is similar to the heathers, hence one of its common names being false heath, though in its native range it is referred to as pichu. This is a frost hardy species which enjoys poor soils and sun, but dislikes chalk and exposure to cold, drying winds.