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:
- Eremophila abietina Kraenzl.
- Eremophila accrescens Chinnock
- Eremophila acrida Chinnock
- Eremophila acutifolia (Chinnock) R.Fowler
- Eremophila adenotricha (F.Muell. ex Benth.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila alatisepala Chinnock
- Eremophila alternifolia R.Br.
- Eremophila annosocaulis Chinnock
- Eremophila anomala Chinnock
- Eremophila appressa Chinnock
- Eremophila arachnoides Chinnock
- Eremophila arbuscula Chinnock
- Eremophila arenaria Chinnock
- Eremophila arguta Chinnock
- Eremophila attenuata Chinnock
- Eremophila aureivisca Chinnock
- Eremophila ballythunnensis Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila barbata Chinnock
- Eremophila battii F.Muell.
- Eremophila behriana (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila bignoniiflora (Benth.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila biserrata Chinnock
- Eremophila bowmanii F.Muell.
- Eremophila brevifolia (A.DC.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila buirchellii A.P.Br.
- Eremophila caerulea (S.Moore) Diels
- Eremophila caespitosa Chinnock
- Eremophila calcicola R.W.Davis
- Eremophila calorhabdos Diels
- Eremophila campanulata Chinnock
- Eremophila canaliculata Chinnock
- Eremophila caperata Chinnock
- Eremophila capricornica Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila chamaephila Diels
- Eremophila christophori F.Muell.
- Eremophila ciliata Chinnock
- Eremophila citrina Chinnock
- Eremophila clarkei Oldfleld & F.Muell.
- Eremophila clavata Chinnock
- Eremophila coacta Chinnock
- Eremophila compacta S.Moore
- Eremophila complanata Chinnock
- Eremophila compressa Chinnock
- Eremophila conferta Chinnock
- Eremophila congesta Chinnock
- Eremophila conglomerata Chinnock
- Eremophila cordatisepala L.S.Sm.
- Eremophila crassifolia (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila crenulata Chinnock
- Eremophila cryptothrix Chinnock
- Eremophila cuneata Chinnock
- Eremophila cuneifolia Kraenzl.
- Eremophila daddii Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila dalyana F.Muell.
- Eremophila debilis (Andrews) Chinnock
- Eremophila decipiens Ostenf.
- Eremophila decussata Chinnock
- Eremophila delisseri F.Muell.
- Eremophila demissa Chinnock
- Eremophila dempsteri F.Muell.
- Eremophila dendritica Chinnock
- Eremophila densifolia F.Muell.
- Eremophila denticulata F.Muell.
- Eremophila deserti (A.Cunn. ex Benth.) Chinnock
- Eremophila dichroantha Diels
- Eremophila dielsiana (Kraenzl.) C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila divaricata (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila drummondii F.Muell.
- Eremophila duttonii F.Muell.
- Eremophila elachantha Diels
- Eremophila elderi F.Muell.
- Eremophila enata Chinnock
- Eremophila eriocalyx F.Muell.
- Eremophila eversa Chinnock
- Eremophila exilifolia F.Muell.
- Eremophila falcata Chinnock
- Eremophila fallax Chinnock
- Eremophila fasciata Chinnock
- Eremophila ferricola Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila flabellata Chinnock
- Eremophila flaccida Chinnock
- Eremophila foliosissima Kraenzl.
- Eremophila forrestii F.Muell.
- Eremophila fraseri F.Muell.
- Eremophila freelingii F.Muell.
- Eremophila galeata Chinnock
- Eremophila georgei Diels
- Eremophila gibbifolia (F.Muell. ex Benth.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila gibbosa Chinnock
- Eremophila gibsonii F.Muell.
- Eremophila gilesii F.Muell.
- Eremophila glabra (R.Br.) Ostenf.
- Eremophila glandulifera Chinnock
- Eremophila glutinosa Chinnock
- Eremophila goodwinii F.Muell.
- Eremophila gracillima Chinnock
- Eremophila grandiflora A.P.Br. & Buirchell
- Eremophila granitica S.Moore
- Eremophila hamulata Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila hillii E.A.Shaw
- Eremophila hispida Chinnock
- Eremophila homoplastica (S.Moore) C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila hughesii F.Muell.
- Eremophila humilis Chinnock
- Eremophila hurteri A.L.Curtis & K.R.Thiele
- Eremophila hygrophana Chinnock
- Eremophila incisa Chinnock
- Eremophila inflata C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila interstans (S.Moore) Diels
- Eremophila ionantha Diels
- Eremophila jamesiorum Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila jucunda Chinnock
- Eremophila koobabbiensis Chinnock
- Eremophila laanii F.Muell.
- Eremophila labrosa Chinnock
- Eremophila laccata Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila lachnocalyx C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila lactea Chinnock
- Eremophila lanata Chinnock
- Eremophila lanceolata Chinnock
- Eremophila latrobei F.Muell.
- Eremophila lehmanniana (Sond.) Chinnock
- Eremophila linearis Chinnock
- Eremophila linsmithii R.J.F.Hend.
- Eremophila longifolia (R.Br.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila lucida Chinnock
- Eremophila macdonnellii F.Muell.
- Eremophila macgillivrayi J.M.Black
- Eremophila mackinlayi F.Muell.
- Eremophila macmillaniana C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila maculata (Ker Gawl.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila magnifica Chinnock
- Eremophila maitlandii F.Muell. ex Benth.
- Eremophila malacoides Chinnock
- Eremophila margarethae S.Moore
- Eremophila metallicorum S.Moore
- Eremophila micrantha Chinnock
- Eremophila microphylla (Chinnock) R.Fowler
- Eremophila microtheca F.Muell. ex Benth.
- Eremophila miniata C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila mirabilis Chinnock
- Eremophila mitchellii Benth.
- Eremophila muelleriana C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila naaykensii A.L.Curtis & K.R.Thiele
- Eremophila neglecta J.M.Black
- Eremophila nivea Chinnock
- Eremophila obliquisepala Chinnock
- Eremophila oblonga Chinnock
- Eremophila obovata L.S.Sm.
- Eremophila occidens Chinnock
- Eremophila oldfieldii F.Muell.
- Eremophila oppositifolia R.Br.
- Eremophila ovata Chinnock
- Eremophila paisleyi F.Muell.
- Eremophila pallida Chinnock
- Eremophila pantonii F.Muell.
- Eremophila papillata Chinnock
- Eremophila parvifolia J.M.Black
- Eremophila pendulina Chinnock
- Eremophila pentaptera J.M.Black
- Eremophila perglandulosa Chinnock
- Eremophila petrophila Chinnock
- Eremophila phillipsii F.Muell.
- Eremophila phyllopoda Chinnock
- Eremophila physocalyx Chinnock
- Eremophila pilosa Chinnock
- Eremophila pinnatifida Chinnock
- Eremophila platycalyx F.Muell.
- Eremophila platythamnos Diels
- Eremophila polyclada (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila praecox Chinnock
- Eremophila prolata Chinnock
- Eremophila prostrata Chinnock
- Eremophila psilocalyx F.Muell.
- Eremophila pterocarpa W.Fitzg.
- Eremophila punctata Chinnock
- Eremophila pungens Chinnock
- Eremophila punicea S.Moore
- Eremophila purpurascens Chinnock
- Eremophila pusilliflora Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila pustulata S.Moore
- Eremophila racemosa (Endl.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila ramiflora Dell
- Eremophila rarissima Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila recurva Chinnock
- Eremophila regia Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila resiliens Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila resinosa (Endl.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila reticulata Chinnock
- Eremophila retropila Chinnock
- Eremophila revoluta Chinnock
- Eremophila rhegos Chinnock
- Eremophila rigens Chinnock
- Eremophila rigida Chinnock
- Eremophila rostrata Chinnock
- Eremophila rotundifolia F.Muell.
- Eremophila rugosa Chinnock
- Eremophila saligna (S.Moore) C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila santalina (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila sargentii (S.Moore) Chinnock
- Eremophila scaberula W.Fitzg.
- Eremophila scoparia (R.Br.) F.Muell.
- Eremophila scrobiculata Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila sericea A.P.Br.
- Eremophila serpens Chinnock
- Eremophila serrulata (A.Cunn. ex A.DC.) Druce
- Eremophila setacea Chinnock
- Eremophila shonae Chinnock
- Eremophila simulans Chinnock
- Eremophila spathulata W.Fitzg.
- Eremophila spectabilis C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila spinescens Chinnock
- Eremophila splendens Chinnock
- Eremophila spongiocarpa Chinnock
- Eremophila spuria Chinnock
- Eremophila stenophylla Chinnock
- Eremophila sturtii R.Br.
- Eremophila subangustifolia A.P.Br. & Llorens
- Eremophila subfloccosa Benth.
- Eremophila subteretifolia Chinnock
- Eremophila succinea Chinnock
- Eremophila tenella Chinnock
- Eremophila ternata (Chinnock) R.Fowler
- Eremophila ternifolia Chinnock
- Eremophila tetraptera C.T.White
- Eremophila tietkensii F.Muell. & Tate
- Eremophila undulata Chinnock
- Eremophila veneta Chinnock
- Eremophila vernicosa Chinnock
- Eremophila veronica (S.Moore) C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila verrucosa Chinnock
- Eremophila verticillata Chinnock
- Eremophila victoriae Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila violacea (Chinnock) R.Fowler
- Eremophila virens C.A.Gardner
- Eremophila viridissima Chinnock
- Eremophila viscida Endl.
- Eremophila viscimarginata Chinnock
- Eremophila waitii Chinnock
- Eremophila warnesii Chinnock
- Eremophila weldii F.Muell.
- Eremophila willsii F.Muell.
- Eremophila woodiae Edginton
- Eremophila xantholaema R.W.Davis
- Eremophila yinnetharrensis Buirchell & A.P.Br.
- Eremophila youngii F.Muell.