Eremophila macdonnellii
| MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Eremophila |
| Species: | E. macdonnellii |
| Binomial name | |
| Eremophila macdonnellii F. Muell. | |
Eremophila macdonnellii , also known as MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia, is a shrub which is native to central Australia.
Description
It is a small shrub covered with short hairs which grows up to a height of 50 cm. The sessile leaves are small and thick and the solitary pink to deep purple flowers are produced on long stalks.
Taxonomy
The species was first formally described by botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1859. The specific epithet honours Sir Richard MacDonnell, the Governor of South Australia.
Distribution
The range of this species covers parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Cultivation
Unfortunately, despite the showy nature of the flower, this species is rarely seen in cultivation due to its poor resistance to both leaf rot and root rot. Grafting helps but an open position in full sun is essential for long life.
References
- Australian Plant Name Index (APNI): Eremophila macdonnellii
- Moore, Philip (2005). A Guide to Plants of Inland Australia. Australia: Reed New Holland. ISBN 187633486X.