Eremophila phillipsii facts for kids

Eremophila phillipsii is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the figwort family, called Scrophulariaceae. This plant grows only in Western Australia, meaning it is endemic there. It is a tall, upright shrub with thin leaves. Its flowers are usually lilac or purple on the outside. Inside, they are white with purple spots. This plant can sometimes have a strong, unpleasant smell.

About the Phillips' Emu Bush

The Eremophila phillipsii is an upright shrub. It can grow from about 0.5 to 3.5 meters (1.6 to 11.5 feet) tall. This plant often has a strong, not-so-nice smell. Its branches can hang down. They are smooth and covered with small, raised bumps called glands. These branches are also sticky and often look shiny.

Leaves of the Plant

The leaves of this plant grow one after another along the branches. They are long and narrow, or shaped like an oval. Each leaf is about 20 to 55 millimeters (0.8 to 2.2 inches) long. They are also very thin, about 0.8 to 2.5 millimeters (0.03 to 0.1 inches) wide. The leaves are smooth and sticky, just like the branches.

Flowers and Fruits

The flowers usually grow alone or in small groups of up to three. They appear where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower sits on a hairy stalk that is about 6 to 12 millimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) long. There are five green, slightly overlapping parts called sepals. These sepals are shaped like a spear and are about 3 to 5.5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) long.

The petals are about 9 to 16 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. They are joined together at the bottom to form a tube. The outside of this tube is lilac or purple. The inside is white with purple spots. The outside of the petals and their tips are covered with tiny, sticky hairs. The inside of the tips is smooth, but the inside of the tube is fuzzy. The four parts that make pollen, called stamens, are hidden inside the petal tube.

This plant flowers from September to December. After flowering, it produces oval-shaped fruits. These fruits are smooth and about 3 to 5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) long.

Plant Name and History

How the Plant Got Its Name

The Eremophila phillipsii was first officially described in 1893. This was done by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. His description was published in a journal called Victorian Naturalist. The second part of the plant's name, phillipsii, honors George Braithwaite Phillips.

Where the Plant Grows

Eremophila phillipsii is found in rocky areas. This includes the bottom of large granite rocks. You can find it between Hyden and the Fitzgerald River. These areas are part of special natural regions in Western Australia.

Looking After the Plant

Conservation Status

The government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife says this plant is "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.

Growing Phillips' Emu Bush

This large shrub looks very pretty when it flowers. However, it can have a strong smell. So, it's best to plant it where its smell won't be a problem. You can grow new plants from cuttings taken at any time of the year. Cuttings are small pieces of the plant that can grow roots.

This plant can grow in many different types of soil, even heavy clay. It grows best in full sunlight. It can also handle both frost and long dry periods. To keep its shape neat and compact, it needs to be trimmed from a young age.