Eremophila maculata

(Ker-Gawler) F. Muell.

Spotted Fuschia, Spotted Emu Bush

Scrophulariaceae Edible: Nectar 918 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Eremophila maculata, also known as spotted emu bush or spotted fuchsia-bush, is a plant in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae, and is endemic to Australia. It is the most widespread of its genus in nature and probably the most frequently cultivated Eremophila. It is a spreading, often densely branched shrub with variable leaf shape and flower colour, but the other features of the flowers such as the size and shape of the parts are consistent. The inside of the flower is often, but not always, spotted.

Description

A dense shrub. It grows 0.5-3 m tall. It can spread 1-2.5 m across. It is compact and with many branches. It has rigid hairy branches. The leaves are sword shaped and taper to the base. The tip is pointed. They are grey-green and 0.5-5 cm long by 1 cm wide. The flowers are white or pink but can be red or orange. They are bell shaped. There is often a yellow spot inside. They are 2.5 cm long. The flowers grow on an S shaped stalk. The fruit are green or purple and smooth. They are nearly round and 2 cm long.

Edible Uses

None known

Traditional Uses

CAUTION: The plant contains high levels of cyanide.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Used in the treatment of colds.

Distribution

It can grow in temperate or subtropical conditions. It suits arid or semiarid locations. It can stand light frost. It often grows naturally on heavy clay soils. It also grows on limestone cliffs. It needs good drainage. In the Inland Botanical Gardens Mildura. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Britain, Europe, Tasmania*, USA,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Propagation

Seed.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There are about 180 Eremophila species. They occur in Australia. Also put in the family Myoporaceae.

References (22)

Blomberry, A.M., 1979, Australian Native Plants. Angus and Robertson p 137
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 389
Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 405
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 189
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 17

Show all 22 references

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Greig, D., 1996, Flowering Natives for Home Gardens. Angus & Robertson. p 159
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