Eremophila freelingii
F. Muell.
Limestone Fuchsia, Rock Fuchsia-bush
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Summary
Source: WikipediaEremophila freelingii, commonly known as limestone fuchsia or rock fuchsia bush, is a flowering plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to Australia. It is a shrub with sticky, hairy, lance-shaped leaves and flowers a shade of light to dark lilac and which occurs in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
Description
A medium sized shrub. It grows 1-3 m high. It spreads 1-3 m across. The young growth is hairy and sticky. The branches are rough and hairy. The leaves are 2-8 cm long by 1 cm wide. They are alternate. The leaves are sword shaped and hairy and sticky. The tip is pointed. The flowers are like tubes. They are 3 cm long. They can be white, pink or pale blue. The fruit is oval and 0.8 cm long.
Edible Uses
The leaves are eaten.
Distribution
It grows on rocky soils on hills and ridges. It suits semiarid and arid regions. It is often on limestone soils. It needs very well drained soils and a sunny position. It can tolerate drought and light frosts. It suits alkaline soils.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
It can be grown from seed or cuttings. Cuttings are slow to strike.
Notes
There are about 180 Eremophila species. They occur in Australia. Also put in the family Myoporaceae.
References (4)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 388
- Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 189
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1984, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 3. Lothian. p 440
- Morley, B.D., & Toelken, H.R., (Eds), 1983, Flowering Plants in Australia. Rigby. p 281
