Heath derives its generic name from the Greek words ‘epi’ which means ‘upon’ and ‘akris’ meaning ‘hill’. It refers to the high altitudes which some of the species of the plant inhabit. This delicate, erect shrub grows to an average height of 1 metre. The narrow and rather pointed leaves are arranged alternately. The flower is tubular with five dents or dimples at the base of the floral tube. The flowers grow in clusters along the stalk giving a brush-like appearance. The flowers are of pale pink, rose pink, crimson, pure white, scarlet shades and they blossom in the later part of autumn and also in late spring.

Heath can be found in the heath lands, along the coast ,and also in the alpine regions of eastern and south-eastern Australia which includes New Caledonia, New Zealand Tasmania, southeast Queensland and west to southeast South Australia,. It grows well in soils which are moist and acidic in nature.

The beautiful and showy flowers of the heath have made it quite popular as a garden plant and it is often used for landscaping purposes. Heath is also the state flower of Victoria.