The scientific name of this species is derived from the Latin word ventricosus, which means swollen or inflated. Its common names are Franschhoekheath, porcelain heath, and wax heath.
Population groups of these plants are normally found in well-drained acid soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Ecology
The corolla in Erica ventricosa has an ovoid-urceolate form and is 12 mm to 16 mm in length, with a constriction at the throat. This form is no accident, as there are specialist flies with a long proboscis that are adapted to pollinate it.