Eremophila alternifolia
Poverty Bush | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
Genus: | Eremophila |
Species: | E. alternifolia |
Binomial name | |
Eremophila alternifolia R.Br. | |
Eremophila alternifolia, commonly known as Poverty Bush, is a shrub which is native to Australia.
Description
Plants usually vary in height from 1 to 4 metres, though its lower and upper range is 0.5 - 5 metres. They have purple, red, pink, white, cream, or yellow flowers from early winter to early autumn.
Taxonomy
The species was first published in 1810 by botanist Robert Brown.
Distribution
E. alternifolia occurs in arid areas of Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and the Barrier Range in New South Wales, in many different habitats with stony or red soil.[1][2]
Uses
Parts of this plant have been used as a traditional medicine. A small quantity was used in a preparation for treating colds and inflammation of the throat, an infusion of the leaves as a soporific, and other parts combined as a topical treatment. An indigenous name Tarrtjan is translated as Goldfields, a region in the West where it is found.[2]
As with other members of the genus, E. alternifolia is sold as a drought resistant garden plant that is appealing to birds.[2]
References
- ↑ "Eremophila alternifolia R.Br.". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Eremophila alternifolia — Poverty Bush FloraBase: Plant of the Month — February 2012
External links
- "Eremophila alternifolia R.Br.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- Eremophila alternifolia PlantNET: New South Wales Flora Online
- Eremophila alternifolia Florabase - The Western Australian Flora Online