Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Eremophila sturtii
Turpentine
Other Names: Turpentine Bush, Budda Bush, Small Sandalwood, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Turpentine Emubush, Scented Sandalwood.
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Sticky shrub to 4 m high. Dark grey, finely fissured bark, slender branches, and bright green leaves. Lilac or mauve flowers, present all year but mainly in spring (Sep-Nov).
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Wide range of soils, including Bladder Saltbush, Belah-Rosewood, Callitris mixed, and rocky outcrop woodlands. Prefers 300-400 mm rainfall in the Riverina region. Resists frost and tolerates extended dry periods.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Propagate from seed and cuttings, both may be difficult. Regenerates from suckers. Slow growth rate.
VALUES & USES:
Attractive garden plant but grafted to avoid extensive suckering, First Nations uses include medicinal, use of the wood for weapons and implements, fish poison, insect repellent. Bird and insect attracting.