Eremophila bignoniiflora

(Benth.) F. Muell.

Bignonia emu bush, Creek wilga, Eurah

Scrophulariaceae Edible: Flower nectar 375 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by

Summary

Eremophila bignoniiflora, commonly known as Bignonia emu bush, creek wilga, dogwood, and river argee is a plant in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to the Northern Territory and all mainland states of Australia. It is also used by various Aboriginal Australian groups as bush medicine, and known as eurah or eura (Kamilaroi), gooramurra (Jingulu), and kurumbimi (Mudburra). It is a spreading, weeping shrub or small tree with long, strap-like leaves. Its leaves are among the longest in the Eremophila genus and the flowers are also relatively large, reflecting their adaptation to pollination by birds.

Description

A spreading shrub or small tree. It grows 1-8 m tall. The leaves are alternate and 11-16 cm long by 4-9 mm wide. They are narrowly sword shaped and taper to both ends. There can be a few teeth towards the end. The flowers occur singly in the axils of the leaves. The petals join to form a tube. The fruit are oval and 2-3 cm long.

Edible Uses

The flower nectar is eaten.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Synonyms

Pholidia bignoniiflora (Benth.) KraenzlStenochilus bignoniiflorus Benth.

Also Known As

Eurah, Yuurraa

References (2)

McKerney, M. & White, H., 2011, Bush Tucker, Boomerangs & Bandages. Border River-Gwyder Catchment Management Authority p 103
Williams A. & Sides, T., 2008, Wiradjuri Plant Use in the Murrumbidgee Catchment. Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority. Wagga Wagga, p 49