Spotted Fuschia, Spotted Emu Bush
Eremophila maculata
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
A dense shrub. It grows 0.5-3 m tall. It can spread 1-2.5 m across. It is compact and with many branches. It has rigid hairy branches. The leaves are sword shaped and taper to the base. The tip is pointed. They are grey-green and 0.5-5 cm long by 1 cm wide. The flowers are white or pink but can be red or orange. They are bell shaped. There is often a yellow spot inside. They are 2.5 cm long. The flowers grow on an S shaped stalk. The fruit are green or purple and smooth. They are nearly round and 2 cm long.
There are about 180 Eremophila species. They occur in Australia. Also put in the family Myoporaceae.
Where it is found
It can grow in temperate or subtropical conditions. It suits arid or semiarid locations. It can stand light frost. It often grows naturally on heavy clay soils. It also grows on limestone cliffs. It needs good drainage. In the Inland Botanical Gardens Mildura. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Tasmania (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The plant contains high levels of cyanide.
Edible parts
Nectar
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.