Eremophila longifolia (R.Br.) F.Muell.

Size and Growth Habit

Eremophila longifolia (R.Br.) F.Muell. is a shrub or small tree that grows between 1 and 8 metres (3 and 30 feet) in height. It often produces suckers, so dense stands of cloned individual plants are common.

Branch Characteristics

Its branches are usually covered in fine hairs that range in colour from yellow to reddish brown.

Leaf Shape

The leaves are arranged alternately along the branches; they are linear to lance-shaped, often curved like a sickle, and frequently have a hooked tip.

Leaf Size and Veins

Most leaves are 50–160 mm (2–6 in) long and 3–8 mm (0.1–0.3 in) wide, taper towards both ends, and have a prominent mid-vein on their lower surface.

Flower Arrangement

Flowers grow in groups of up to 5 in leaf axils, on stalks that are mostly 4–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long.

Sepal Features

There are 5 green, egg-shaped, tapering, hairy sepals, which are usually 2–7 mm (0.08–0.3 in) long.

Petal Tube Structure

The petals are 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long in most cases, and are joined at their lower end to form a tube.

Petal Colour and Hair

The petal tube ranges in colour from brick-red to pink, and is sometimes marked with darker red spots on the inside. Both the inner and outer surfaces of the tube are covered in hairs, with denser hair growth on the outside.

Stamen Features

The four stamens extend past the end of the petal tube.

Regional Flowering Timing

Flowering occurs at different times across different regions of Australia. In Western Australia, flowering mainly takes place between March and November; in southern Queensland it occurs during spring and summer; but in the Riverina area of New South Wales, there is no distinct flowering season.

Rainfall Influence on Flowering

In most areas, flowers can appear in any season depending on rainfall.

Fruit Shape and Size

After flowering, the plant produces fruits that are oval to almost spherical, 5–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) long.

Fruit Colour Progression

The fruits start yellow, then turn brown, and finally turn black.

Common Name and Distribution

Also known as berrigan, this is the most widespread eremophila species in Australia.

Habitat Range

It can grow in a wide range of soil types and habitats, with the exception of the more humid areas of the east coast. It generally grows in Acacia or Eucalyptus woodland, and is also common on rocky hills, sand plains and sand dunes.

Faunal Interactions

Honeyeaters, emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and Australian bustards (Ardeotis australis) are known to feed on this eremophila species.

Cultural Significance for Aboriginal Peoples

Eremophila longifolia is one of the most important plant species for Aboriginal Australian people, particularly for those living in Central Australia. It was used in initiation ceremonies, to line graves, for tanning water bags, and was placed in the headbands of warriors.

Medicinal Uses

It also had medicinal uses: it was used to treat colds and headaches, and to cleanse and strengthen newborn babies.

Antibacterial Properties

Compounds found in Eremophila longifolia have been shown to be effective against the bacteria that cause tooth decay.