An ecological plant community type characterized by the dominance of heaths and heathers, typically found on poor, acidic soils in temperate regions.
From Erica (heath genus) plus -etum (Latin botanical suffix meaning a plant community dominated by), a standard ecological classification term.
Ericetum communities across Europe are disappearing because they require maintenance—without periodic disturbance like traditional grazing or burning, they're naturally invaded by more competitive shrubs and trees.
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