Family:
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Eremophila mitchellii
Budda
Other Names: Sandalwood, False Sandalwood, Native Sandalwood, Sandalbox, Rosewood
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Shrub to 3 m high or tree to 9 m high. Bark rough and dark brown with oblong pattern segments. Flowers white to pale-cream, mainly spring with a second flowering in autumn (Sep-Nov).
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Bimble Box, Callitris mixed, and rocky outcrop woodlands. Range of soils, with full sun. Prefers 300 to 450 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Propagate from seed and stem cuttings. Most Eremophila species are very difficult to germinate from seed. Hard woody fruits prevent germination and contain chemical inhibitors. Stem cuttings can be very slow to root. Promote suckering by disturbing roots of established plants. Transplant resulting root suckers. Regenerates from suckers if roots are damaged.
VALUES & USES:
The tree form is attractive and has ornamental value. It recovers well after fire, ringbarking or cutting. The foliage contains essential oils & the scented wood is traditionally burned for its pleasant aroma.