Eremophila christophori, commonly known as the dolomite fuchsia bush, is a flowering plant in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) and is endemic to the southern part of the Northern Territory in Australia.
Description
Eremophila christophori is an upright shrub typically growing to 2.5 m (8 ft) in height and 2 m (7 ft) in width. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, elliptic to lance-shaped, mostly 10.5–25 mm (0.4–1 in) long and about 2.5–7 mm (0.1–0.3 in) wide, glabrous, and bright green, sometimes faintly purple. The flowers are borne singly in leaf axils and lack a stalk. The petal tube is white, blue, or a shade of pink to lilac, covered on the outside with short hairs, while the inside is filled with spidery hairs. Flowering occurs for most of the year, primarily from spring to mid-summer. The fruits are dry, oval to cone-shaped, wrinkled, and 5–8.5 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long.
Taxonomy and Naming
The species was first formally described by the German-born Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1875, with the description published in Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae. The specific epithet christophori honours Christopher Giles, the collector of the type specimen. Synonyms include Bondtia christophori, Bontia christopheri, Eremophila castelli-arminii, Eremophila christophorii, and Pholidia christopheri.
Distribution and Habitat
This eremophila occurs in a band extending east-north-east from the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs to the border with Queensland. It grows in sandy soils, often over laterite or limestone on low hills.
Conservation Status
Eremophila christophori is listed as "of least concern" under the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Use in Horticulture
The plant is noted for being rarely without flowers in the garden. It is hardy, drought-tolerant, tolerates light frost, and is fast-growing in well-drained soil in a sunny position. It can be propagated from cuttings or grafted onto Myoporum rootstock.
