List of Eremophila (plant) species facts for kids

Eremophila plants are a large group of shrubs and small trees found mostly in Australia. They are often called emu bushes because emus enjoy eating their fruits. There are about 220 different types, or species, of emu bushes that scientists have officially named. About 40 more have been found but are still waiting for their official names!

Most of these amazing plants, about 190 species, grow in Western Australia. A huge number of them, around 80%, are found only in that state. Even the newly discovered species that haven't been named yet are all from Western Australia.

These plants are part of the figwort family, also known as Scrophulariaceae. The list below shows many of the Eremophila species that were officially recognized by the Australian Plant Census as of April 2019. Some even newer species have been added since then!

What are Eremophila Plants?

Eremophila plants are a special group of flowering plants. They are known for being very tough and can survive in dry, harsh conditions. This is why you find so many of them in the Australian outback! They come in many shapes and sizes, from small ground-covering plants to larger shrubs and even small trees.

Where Do Emu Bushes Grow?

Emu bushes are found all over Australia. However, as you learned, most of them live in Western Australia. Only one species, Eremophila debilis, also grows outside Australia, in New Zealand. These plants are very good at adapting to different environments, especially dry ones.

Why are Eremophila Plants Important?

These plants are important for many reasons. They provide food and shelter for native animals, like emus! Many species have beautiful flowers that come in various colors, like purple, pink, red, and yellow. This makes them popular in gardens, especially in dry areas. Some Indigenous Australian communities have also used parts of these plants for traditional medicine.

Discovering New Eremophila Species

Scientists are always working to find and name new plant species. It's exciting because it helps us understand the amazing variety of life on Earth. When a new Eremophila is found, scientists study it carefully. They look at its leaves, flowers, and fruits. Then, they compare it to other known species. If it's different enough, it gets a new scientific name. This process helps us keep track of all the different plants in the world.

Common Eremophila Species

While there are hundreds of Eremophila species, some are more well-known or have interesting common names. Here are a few examples:

• Eremophila bignoniiflora – This one is called gooramurra or bignonia emu bush. It's found in several states, including New South Wales and Queensland.
• Eremophila glabra – Known as the common emu bush, this species is widespread across almost all of Australia.
• Eremophila maculata – This is the spotted emu bush. It's also found in many parts of Australia and is popular in gardens because of its pretty, spotted flowers.
• Eremophila longifolia – Often called berrigan, this species is known for its long leaves and is found in Western Australia.