AUSTRALIAN FLORA Western Australia –

A Field Guide to the Eremophilas of Western Australia covers 186 formally described and named species of Eremophila that occur naturally in Western Australia. It also provides descriptions of 24 Eremophila species that have not yet been formally named. For each plant, the authors provide excellent photographs and a species distribution map for Western Australia.

Eremophila species abound on desolate rocky hills, open spinifex plains, sparse woodlands, barren dry watercourses and inland sand dunes that stretch to the horizon. Aptly, their generic name, when translated, means ‘lover of lonely or desert places’.

Eremophila vernicosa, commonly known as resinous poverty bush, is a flowering plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to Western Australia. It is an erect shrub with its glabrous leaves and branches appearing varnished due to a thick covering of resin. It has small leaves and white to pale mauve flowers.

This eremophila occurs in the Kalannie – Gunyidi area^[3] in the Avon Wheatbelt biogeographic region^[5] where it grows on the slopes of low lateritic hills.^[3]

• 336 p. : col. ill., col. maps ; 22 cm. #230825

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 329) and index.

  • Eremophila (Plants) — Western Australia
  • Eremophila (Plants) — Identification
  • Australian
  • Eremophila vernicosa is classified as “vulnerable” by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999^[6] and as “Threatened Flora (Declared Rare Flora — Extant)” by the Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia)^[5] meaning that it is likely to become extinct or is rare, or otherwise in need of special protection.^[7]

    The white stems and dark green leaves contrasting with small, delicate pink flowers are attractive features of this small shrub. It can be propagated from cuttings and grows well on its own roots in a wide range of soil types in a sunny position or in part shade. It rarely needs watering, even during a long dry spell, is very frost tolerant and can be pruned lightly to keep it in shape.^[8]