Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Eremophila maculata
Spotted Fuchsia
Other Names: Poison Fuchsia, Spotted Fuchsia-bush, Spotted Emubush
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Many-branched shrub approx. 1.5 m high. Branches somewhat woolly and ascending. Flowers red, orange, or yellow, with paler interiors spotted with red or brown (Jun-Nov).
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Heavy clays to clay loams receiving run-off water. Also found in duplex soils on floodplains. Prefers well-drained heavy to sandy soils with plenty of sun. Prefers 300-400 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Seed collection Feb-May. Propagate from seeds and cuttings of slightly firm growth. Most Eremophila species are difficult to germinate from seed due to hard, woody fruits containing a chemical inhibitor. Stem cuttings can be slow to root. Promote suckering by disturbing roots of established plants and transplanting the resulting root suckers.
VALUES & USES:
Attractive ornamental. Wildlife attracting.