Eremophila cryptothrix facts for kids

Eremophila cryptothrix is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the figwort family, called Scrophulariaceae. This plant is found only in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is a shrub that has sticky stems because of a special sticky substance called resin. Its leaves are narrow, and its flowers can be white, pale pink, or pale blue.

What Does Eremophila cryptothrix Look Like?

Eremophila cryptothrix is a shrub that usually grows to be about 1 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet) tall. Its stems are shiny and sticky, especially near the ends. This stickiness comes from tiny hairs that are covered in a layer of resin.

The leaves grow one after another along the stems. They are usually about 17 to 33 millimeters (0.7 to 1.3 inches) long and about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) wide. The leaves are smooth and shaped like a line, with a small hook at the tip.

Flowers and Fruits

The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower sits on a stalk that is about 5 to 13 millimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) long.

Each flower has five sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the bud. These sepals are pale pink to bright red and are about 7 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long. They overlap a little bit.

The petals of the flower are joined together at the bottom to form a tube. This tube is about 12 to 18 millimeters (0.5 to 0.7 inches) long. The petal tube is usually white, but it can also be pale pink or light blue. Inside, it has noticeable brownish spots. There are also many tiny, club-shaped hairs inside the tube, near its base. The four stamens, which produce pollen, are completely hidden inside this tube.

Eremophila cryptothrix usually flowers from June to August. After the flowers bloom, they produce fruits. These fruits are dry, woody, and oval-shaped. They have a papery covering and are about 5.5 to 6.5 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long.

Where Does Eremophila cryptothrix Grow?

This plant is mostly found growing on rocky hills. You can find it in the area between Ashburton Downs and the Barlee Range. This region is part of the Pilbara and Gascoyne areas in Western Australia.

Is Eremophila cryptothrix Endangered?

The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Eremophila cryptothrix as "not threatened." This means the plant is not currently at risk of disappearing.