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Eremophila glabra
Also called Common Emubush, Tarbush, Common Emu Bush
Eremophila glabra, commonly known as tar bush, is a plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to Australia. It is sometimes a low, ground-hugging and sometimes an erect shrub. The leaves are variable in size and shape and there is a range of flower colours. In spite of its scientific name, not all forms of the plant are glabrous but most have many small, raised glands on the stems, flowers and leaves.
Tar bush is one of the most variable species in the genus and the use of a number in one garden can give the impression of many different species. Most forms do not need a lot of maintenance apart from the occasional watering and light pruning. Propagation from seed is difficult but cuttings strike readily and preserve the features of the parent plant. It will grow in most soils, and in most positions from full sun to full shade. Most forms are drought tolerant and will survive most frosts although a few with hairy leaves will not tolerate high humidity. Eremophila glabra is popular in native gardens and a number of cultivars have been developed. A yellow flowered, prostrate form called "Kalbarri Carpet" is available as is the variety "Murchison Magic", a silvery-leaved form with red flowers.
This eremophila occurs in all the mainland states of Australia. Subspecies glabra is the most widespread and it occurs in a wide range of soils and vegetation associations, although only in the drier areas of the continent.
Emu Bush · Diocirea acutifolia · Diocirea microphylla · Diocirea ternata · Diocirea violacea · Emu Bush · Eremophila abietina · Eremophila accrescens · Eremophila acrida · Eremophila adenotricha · Eremophila alatisepala · Narrow Leaved Emu Bush
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Eremophila glabra by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
