Eremophila acrida facts for kids

The Eremophila acrida is a unique plant found only in the dry parts of Australia. It belongs to the figwort family. This plant is a small shrub. Most of its parts above the ground are covered in tiny hairs. These hairs have a small yellow gland at their tips. The plant also has a strong, bitter smell.

What Does Eremophila acrida Look Like?

The Eremophila acrida is a small, bushy shrub. It usually grows to be about 0.6 m (2 ft) tall. Its smell is often described as sharp, unpleasant, or even like medicine.

Hairy Leaves and Branches

The branches, leaves, and green parts of the flowers are covered in many hairs. These hairs have a yellow gland at their very tip. Sometimes, this makes the plant look like it has a shiny, coppery color. The leaves are shaped like a spear. They are usually 30–50 mm (1.2–2.0 in) long and 5–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) wide. They have a pointed end and get narrower towards the stem.

Beautiful Flowers and Fruit

The flowers grow either alone or in small groups of up to three. They appear where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower has a stalk that is about 5–25 mm (0.2–1 in) long. There are five triangle-shaped sepals. These are small leaf-like parts that protect the flower bud. They are about 10–18 mm (0.4–0.7 in) long.

The petals are 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in) long. They join together at their base to form a bell-shaped tube. The outside of this tube can be white, light purple, or pink. The inside of the tube is reddish-brown, especially deep inside. Both the inside and outside of the petal tube are hairy. However, the inner surface of the petal tips is smooth. There are four stamens inside the flower. These do not stick out past the end of the tube. After the flower, the plant grows a hairy, oval-shaped fruit. It is about 6 mm–10 mm × 5 mm–8 mm (0.2 in–0.4 in × 0.2 in–0.3 in) and has raised lines on its surface.

Where Does Eremophila acrida Grow?

This special plant is mostly found in the central and southern parts of the Northern Territory. It is also seen, though less often, in central to western Queensland. It likes to grow in poor soil. You can often find it on rocky hillsides or in grassy areas. It often grows near mulga trees.

Is Eremophila acrida Endangered?

Good news! The Eremophila acrida is not considered to be in danger. The Northern Territory Government has classified it as "of least concern." This means there are enough of these plants in the wild.