NATIVE FUCHSIA

Eremophila maculata, also known as Spotted Emu Bush, Swamp Fuchsia, or Native Fuchsia, is a shrub which is native to Australia and is in the Scrophulariaceae family. It occurs in Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It grows to between 0.2 and 3 metres in height and has red, pink, mauve, orange or yellow flowers between late autumn and late summer (May to November in Australia). The species was first published in 1822 by J.B. Ker Gawler as Stenochilus maculatus Ker Gawl.

E.maculata is widely cultivated in many areas and, although best suited to dry climates, can be successfully grown in more humid areas. The var.brevifolia is, however, difficult to maintain in such areas. The species prefers soils which are alkaline to mildly acidic and well drained. Full sun is preferred and, once established, the plant tolerates extended dry periods. It is also tolerant of at least moderate frost.

Propagation from seed of Eremophila species is unreliable. A number of treatment methods have been tried including sowing the ripe fruits, sowing of aged and washed fruits and splitting the fruits to extract the seeds prior to sowing. The latter involves splitting the fruits in halves and quarters but some seeds are inevitably damaged during the process. Most forms of E. maculata strike readily from cuttings of hardened, current season's growth.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.