This is the first in a series of notes on the southern African species of Erica L. which are currently recognized. Brief synonymy citing only the important revisions and synonyms is given, as w ell as comments on the status and diagnostic characters of each species. One new species, £ petrusiana E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv. and 14 new subspecies are described, and 11 species are reduced to subspecific status. Where necessary drawings of important features and variations are given. Part 1 covers the first 35 species (Sections 1-3). Keywords: Erica L., nomenclature, southern Africa, taxonomy.