Heather is part American (5)

I believe the answer is:

erica

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'heather' is the definition.
(the plant genus Erica includes heather plants)

'part american' is the wordplay.
'ERICA' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for erica that I've seen before include "Heath genus; girl's name" , "Girl - heather" , "Shrubs" , "Shrub genus; girl's name" , "ling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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