Eremophila hispida is a flowering plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to Queensland. It is a small shrub with narrow, hairy, clustered leaves, with violet to purple flowers and is restricted to a small area in central Queensland.
| Eremophila hispida | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Eremophila |
| Species: | E. hispida
|
| Binomial name | |
| Eremophila hispida | |
Description
editEremophila hispida is a compact shrub usually growing to a height of less than 0.4 m (1 ft) with its branches mostly covered with a dense layer of hairs. Its leaves are densely clustered at the ends of the branches, mostly 10–25 mm (0.4–1 in) long, less than 1 mm (0.04 in) wide, linear in shape, usually densely covered in hairs and have their edges turned under. They also have a distinct midrib visible on the lower surface.[2]
The flowers are borne singly in leaf axils on a very short stalk. There are 5 green, hairy, overlapping, tapering, lance-shaped to triangular sepals which are mostly 4–9 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long. The petals are 16–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long and are joined at their lower end to form a tube. The petal tube is purple to violet-coloured, the outside of the tube is usually hairy while the inner surface of the lobes is glabrous and the inside of the tube is filled with long, soft hairs. The 4 stamens are fully enclosed within the petal tube. The fruits are oval-shaped with a glabrous, papery covering and are 5.5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long.[2]
Taxonomy and naming
editThe species was first formally described by Robert Chinnock in 2007 and the description was published in Eremophila and Allied Genera: A Monograph of the Plant Family Myoporaceae.[3] The specific epithet (hispida) is a Latin word meaning "with rough hair or bristles".[2][3][4]
Distribution and habitat
editEremophila hispida grows in mulga and Corymbia terminalis woodland in brown loam and sand, mostly near Winton.[2][5]
Conservation status
editEremophila hispida is classified as "of least concern" in terms of the Queensland Nature Conservation Act.[5]
Use in horticulture
editThis eremophila has rarely been cultivated but its purple flowers and contrasting leaves indicate that it may have potential as a garden plant. It can be propagated from cuttings or by grafting and grown in well-drained soil in full sun. It is drought tolerant, needing only occasional watering but it needs to be protected from frost.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Eremophila hispida". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
- ^ a b c d Chinnock, R.J. (Bob) (2007). Eremophila and allied genera : a monograph of the plant family Myoporaceae (1st ed.). Dural, NSW: Rosenberg. pp. 531–533. ISBN 9781877058165.
- ^ a b "Eremophila hispida". APNI. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ Francis Aubie Sharr (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings. Kardinya, Western Australia: Four Gables Press. p. 218. ISBN 9780958034180.
- ^ a b "Species profile—Eremophila hispida". Queensland Government, Department of Environment, Land and Water. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ Boschen, Norma; Goods, Maree; Wait, Russell (2008). Australia's eremophilas : changing gardens for a changing climate. Melbourne: Bloomings Books. pp. 205–206. ISBN 9781876473655.