246 Species of Genus Eremophila

Eremophila: My Love Affair with Australia’s Desert Jewels

The Australian outback. A land of harsh beauty, of scorching sun and swirling dust. It’s a place where only the toughest survive. And among the hardiest of the outback’s inhabitants are the Eremophilas, a diverse genus of over 270 species of flowering plants. I first encountered these resilient beauties on a research trip to Western Australia, and I was immediately captivated.

Their vibrant flowers, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to delicate pinks and purples, provide a stark contrast to the muted tones of the arid landscape. But it wasn’t just their beauty that drew me in. Eremophilas possess a unique resilience, a tenacity that allows them to thrive in conditions that would cripple most other plants. This combination of beauty and toughness, of fragility and strength, is what makes them so fascinating to me.

A Diverse and Adaptable Genus

Eremophilas, also known as “poverty bushes” or “emu bushes,” are endemic to mainland Australia. They’ve adapted to survive in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth, from the arid deserts of Western Australia to the rocky outcrops of the Flinders Ranges. This adaptability is reflected in the sheer diversity of the genus.

Some Eremophilas are prostrate groundcovers, hugging the earth to conserve moisture. Others are towering shrubs, their branches reaching towards the sky. Their leaves, too, display remarkable variation. Some are tiny and needle-like, reducing water loss through transpiration. Others are large and velvety, covered in fine hairs that trap moisture and reflect sunlight.

This diversity isn’t just visual. Eremophilas also exhibit a wide range of growth habits and ecological roles. Some species are crucial food sources for native fauna, their flowers attracting nectar-feeding birds and their fruits providing sustenance for small mammals. Others play a vital role in soil stabilization, their deep root systems preventing erosion in windswept areas.

A Riot of Color and Form

One of the most striking features of Eremophilas is their incredible floral diversity. The flowers come in a dazzling array of colors, from the deep crimson of Eremophila maculata to the vibrant yellow of Eremophila glabra. The shapes of the flowers are equally varied, ranging from tubular and trumpet-shaped to open and bell-like.

Many Eremophila flowers are adorned with intricate patterns and markings, further enhancing their beauty. Some species, like Eremophila nivea, have flowers covered in a fine, white fuzz, giving them a soft, ethereal appearance. Others, like Eremophila paisleyi, have flowers with striking stripes and blotches, creating a bold, almost psychedelic effect.

This incredible diversity in flower color and form is a testament to the evolutionary pressures that have shaped the genus. Eremophilas have evolved to attract a wide range of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to birds and even small mammals. The unique characteristics of each species’ flowers are perfectly adapted to attract their specific pollinators, ensuring the continuation of the species.

Eremophilas in My Garden

As a passionate gardener, I couldn’t resist the temptation to introduce Eremophilas to my own garden. Despite living in a more temperate climate than their native habitat, I’ve found that many species thrive with a little extra care. They require well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine, and they’re surprisingly drought-tolerant once established.

My garden now boasts a small but growing collection of Eremophilas. I have the silvery-leaved Eremophila nivea, its white flowers glowing against the deep green foliage of neighboring shrubs. I also have the vibrant Eremophila maculata, its red flowers attracting a constant stream of honeyeaters.

Growing Eremophilas has been a rewarding experience. They’re low-maintenance plants that provide year-round interest with their unique foliage and stunning flowers. But more importantly, they serve as a constant reminder of the beauty and resilience of the Australian outback, a place that holds a special place in my heart.

A Partial List of Eremophila Species

The genus Eremophila is incredibly diverse, with new species still being discovered:

  1. Eremophila abietina Kraenzl.
  2. Eremophila accrescens Chinnock
  3. Eremophila acrida Chinnock
  4. Eremophila acutifolia (Chinnock) R.Fowler
  5. Eremophila adenotricha (F.Muell. ex Benth.) F.Muell.
  6. Eremophila alatisepala Chinnock
  7. Eremophila alternifolia R.Br.
  8. Eremophila annosocaulis Chinnock
  9. Eremophila anomala Chinnock
  10. Eremophila appressa Chinnock
  11. Eremophila arachnoides Chinnock
  12. Eremophila arbuscula Chinnock
  13. Eremophila arenaria Chinnock
  14. Eremophila arguta Chinnock
  15. Eremophila attenuata Chinnock
  16. Eremophila aureivisca Chinnock
  17. Eremophila ballythunnensis Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  18. Eremophila barbata Chinnock
  19. Eremophila battii F.Muell.
  20. Eremophila behriana (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
  21. Eremophila bignoniiflora (Benth.) F.Muell.
  22. Eremophila biserrata Chinnock
  23. Eremophila bowmanii F.Muell.
  24. Eremophila brevifolia (A.DC.) F.Muell.
  25. Eremophila buirchellii A.P.Br.
  26. Eremophila caerulea (S.Moore) Diels
  27. Eremophila caespitosa Chinnock
  28. Eremophila calcicola R.W.Davis
  29. Eremophila calorhabdos Diels
  30. Eremophila campanulata Chinnock
  31. Eremophila canaliculata Chinnock
  32. Eremophila caperata Chinnock
  33. Eremophila capricornica Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  34. Eremophila chamaephila Diels
  35. Eremophila christophori F.Muell.
  36. Eremophila ciliata Chinnock
  37. Eremophila citrina Chinnock
  38. Eremophila clarkei Oldfleld & F.Muell.
  39. Eremophila clavata Chinnock
  40. Eremophila coacta Chinnock
  41. Eremophila compacta S.Moore
  42. Eremophila complanata Chinnock
  43. Eremophila compressa Chinnock
  44. Eremophila conferta Chinnock
  45. Eremophila congesta Chinnock
  46. Eremophila conglomerata Chinnock
  47. Eremophila cordatisepala L.S.Sm.
  48. Eremophila crassifolia (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
  49. Eremophila crenulata Chinnock
  50. Eremophila cryptothrix Chinnock
  51. Eremophila cuneata Chinnock
  52. Eremophila cuneifolia Kraenzl.
  53. Eremophila daddii Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  54. Eremophila dalyana F.Muell.
  55. Eremophila debilis (Andrews) Chinnock
  56. Eremophila decipiens Ostenf.
  57. Eremophila decussata Chinnock
  58. Eremophila delisseri F.Muell.
  59. Eremophila demissa Chinnock
  60. Eremophila dempsteri F.Muell.
  61. Eremophila dendritica Chinnock
  62. Eremophila densifolia F.Muell.
  63. Eremophila denticulata F.Muell.
  64. Eremophila deserti (A.Cunn. ex Benth.) Chinnock
  65. Eremophila dichroantha Diels
  66. Eremophila dielsiana (Kraenzl.) C.A.Gardner
  67. Eremophila divaricata (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
  68. Eremophila drummondii F.Muell.
  69. Eremophila duttonii F.Muell.
  70. Eremophila elachantha Diels
  71. Eremophila elderi F.Muell.
  72. Eremophila enata Chinnock
  73. Eremophila eriocalyx F.Muell.
  74. Eremophila eversa Chinnock
  75. Eremophila exilifolia F.Muell.
  76. Eremophila falcata Chinnock
  77. Eremophila fallax Chinnock
  78. Eremophila fasciata Chinnock
  79. Eremophila ferricola Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  80. Eremophila flabellata Chinnock
  81. Eremophila flaccida Chinnock
  82. Eremophila foliosissima Kraenzl.
  83. Eremophila forrestii F.Muell.
  84. Eremophila fraseri F.Muell.
  85. Eremophila freelingii F.Muell.
  86. Eremophila galeata Chinnock
  87. Eremophila georgei Diels
  88. Eremophila gibbifolia (F.Muell. ex Benth.) F.Muell.
  89. Eremophila gibbosa Chinnock
  90. Eremophila gibsonii F.Muell.
  91. Eremophila gilesii F.Muell.
  92. Eremophila glabra (R.Br.) Ostenf.
  93. Eremophila glandulifera Chinnock
  94. Eremophila glutinosa Chinnock
  95. Eremophila goodwinii F.Muell.
  96. Eremophila gracillima Chinnock
  97. Eremophila grandiflora A.P.Br. & Buirchell
  98. Eremophila granitica S.Moore
  99. Eremophila hamulata Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  100. Eremophila hillii E.A.Shaw
  101. Eremophila hispida Chinnock
  102. Eremophila homoplastica (S.Moore) C.A.Gardner
  103. Eremophila hughesii F.Muell.
  104. Eremophila humilis Chinnock
  105. Eremophila hurteri A.L.Curtis & K.R.Thiele
  106. Eremophila hygrophana Chinnock
  107. Eremophila incisa Chinnock
  108. Eremophila inflata C.A.Gardner
  109. Eremophila interstans (S.Moore) Diels
  110. Eremophila ionantha Diels
  111. Eremophila jamesiorum Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  112. Eremophila jucunda Chinnock
  113. Eremophila koobabbiensis Chinnock
  114. Eremophila laanii F.Muell.
  115. Eremophila labrosa Chinnock
  116. Eremophila laccata Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  117. Eremophila lachnocalyx C.A.Gardner
  118. Eremophila lactea Chinnock
  119. Eremophila lanata Chinnock
  120. Eremophila lanceolata Chinnock
  121. Eremophila latrobei F.Muell.
  122. Eremophila lehmanniana (Sond.) Chinnock
  123. Eremophila linearis Chinnock
  124. Eremophila linsmithii R.J.F.Hend.
  125. Eremophila longifolia (R.Br.) F.Muell.
  126. Eremophila lucida Chinnock
  127. Eremophila macdonnellii F.Muell.
  128. Eremophila macgillivrayi J.M.Black
  129. Eremophila mackinlayi F.Muell.
  130. Eremophila macmillaniana C.A.Gardner
  131. Eremophila maculata (Ker Gawl.) F.Muell.
  132. Eremophila magnifica Chinnock
  133. Eremophila maitlandii F.Muell. ex Benth.
  134. Eremophila malacoides Chinnock
  135. Eremophila margarethae S.Moore
  136. Eremophila metallicorum S.Moore
  137. Eremophila micrantha Chinnock
  138. Eremophila microphylla (Chinnock) R.Fowler
  139. Eremophila microtheca F.Muell. ex Benth.
  140. Eremophila miniata C.A.Gardner
  141. Eremophila mirabilis Chinnock
  142. Eremophila mitchellii Benth.
  143. Eremophila muelleriana C.A.Gardner
  144. Eremophila naaykensii A.L.Curtis & K.R.Thiele
  145. Eremophila neglecta J.M.Black
  146. Eremophila nivea Chinnock
  147. Eremophila obliquisepala Chinnock
  148. Eremophila oblonga Chinnock
  149. Eremophila obovata L.S.Sm.
  150. Eremophila occidens Chinnock
  151. Eremophila oldfieldii F.Muell.
  152. Eremophila oppositifolia R.Br.
  153. Eremophila ovata Chinnock
  154. Eremophila paisleyi F.Muell.
  155. Eremophila pallida Chinnock
  156. Eremophila pantonii F.Muell.
  157. Eremophila papillata Chinnock
  158. Eremophila parvifolia J.M.Black
  159. Eremophila pendulina Chinnock
  160. Eremophila pentaptera J.M.Black
  161. Eremophila perglandulosa Chinnock
  162. Eremophila petrophila Chinnock
  163. Eremophila phillipsii F.Muell.
  164. Eremophila phyllopoda Chinnock
  165. Eremophila physocalyx Chinnock
  166. Eremophila pilosa Chinnock
  167. Eremophila pinnatifida Chinnock
  168. Eremophila platycalyx F.Muell.
  169. Eremophila platythamnos Diels
  170. Eremophila polyclada (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
  171. Eremophila praecox Chinnock
  172. Eremophila prolata Chinnock
  173. Eremophila prostrata Chinnock
  174. Eremophila psilocalyx F.Muell.
  175. Eremophila pterocarpa W.Fitzg.
  176. Eremophila punctata Chinnock
  177. Eremophila pungens Chinnock
  178. Eremophila punicea S.Moore
  179. Eremophila purpurascens Chinnock
  180. Eremophila pusilliflora Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  181. Eremophila pustulata S.Moore
  182. Eremophila racemosa (Endl.) F.Muell.
  183. Eremophila ramiflora Dell
  184. Eremophila rarissima Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  185. Eremophila recurva Chinnock
  186. Eremophila regia Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  187. Eremophila resiliens Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  188. Eremophila resinosa (Endl.) F.Muell.
  189. Eremophila reticulata Chinnock
  190. Eremophila retropila Chinnock
  191. Eremophila revoluta Chinnock
  192. Eremophila rhegos Chinnock
  193. Eremophila rigens Chinnock
  194. Eremophila rigida Chinnock
  195. Eremophila rostrata Chinnock
  196. Eremophila rotundifolia F.Muell.
  197. Eremophila rugosa Chinnock
  198. Eremophila saligna (S.Moore) C.A.Gardner
  199. Eremophila santalina (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
  200. Eremophila sargentii (S.Moore) Chinnock
  201. Eremophila scaberula W.Fitzg.
  202. Eremophila scoparia (R.Br.) F.Muell.
  203. Eremophila scrobiculata Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  204. Eremophila sericea A.P.Br.
  205. Eremophila serpens Chinnock
  206. Eremophila serrulata (A.Cunn. ex A.DC.) Druce
  207. Eremophila setacea Chinnock
  208. Eremophila shonae Chinnock
  209. Eremophila simulans Chinnock
  210. Eremophila spathulata W.Fitzg.
  211. Eremophila spectabilis C.A.Gardner
  212. Eremophila spinescens Chinnock
  213. Eremophila splendens Chinnock
  214. Eremophila spongiocarpa Chinnock
  215. Eremophila spuria Chinnock
  216. Eremophila stenophylla Chinnock
  217. Eremophila sturtii R.Br.
  218. Eremophila subangustifolia A.P.Br. & Llorens
  219. Eremophila subfloccosa Benth.
  220. Eremophila subteretifolia Chinnock
  221. Eremophila succinea Chinnock
  222. Eremophila tenella Chinnock
  223. Eremophila ternata (Chinnock) R.Fowler
  224. Eremophila ternifolia Chinnock
  225. Eremophila tetraptera C.T.White
  226. Eremophila tietkensii F.Muell. & Tate
  227. Eremophila undulata Chinnock
  228. Eremophila veneta Chinnock
  229. Eremophila vernicosa Chinnock
  230. Eremophila veronica (S.Moore) C.A.Gardner
  231. Eremophila verrucosa Chinnock
  232. Eremophila verticillata Chinnock
  233. Eremophila victoriae Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  234. Eremophila violacea (Chinnock) R.Fowler
  235. Eremophila virens C.A.Gardner
  236. Eremophila viridissima Chinnock
  237. Eremophila viscida Endl.
  238. Eremophila viscimarginata Chinnock
  239. Eremophila waitii Chinnock
  240. Eremophila warnesii Chinnock
  241. Eremophila weldii F.Muell.
  242. Eremophila willsii F.Muell.
  243. Eremophila woodiae Edginton
  244. Eremophila xantholaema R.W.Davis
  245. Eremophila yinnetharrensis Buirchell & A.P.Br.
  246. Eremophila youngii F.Muell.
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