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

  1. ↑ "Eremophila alternifolia R.Br.". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Eremophila alternifolia — Poverty Bush FloraBase: Plant of the Month — February 2012

External links