Eremophila Study Group

Welcome to the Eremophila Study Group

The Eremophila Study Group is one of a number of Study Groups within the Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Our aim is to further knowledge about the cultivation, propagation and conservation of members of the genus Eremophila, which are commonly known as emu bushes or poverty bushes. As in all study groups, the members’ work is carried out in their own homes and gardens and in their own spare time.

This Group was formed in 1972 with the aim of studying the cultivation and propagation of the genus Eremophila so that more species could be seen in gardens. The Group also aims to understand the growing requirements of the various species to improve their reliability. It has been very successful in that regard and now over 100 species are in common cultivation.

Academics and taxonomists have continued to describe new species and over 250 are now known. Many of these also have hybridised – these hybrids provide new opportunities for garden cultivation.

Since its formation, the Group has produced over 140 informative newsletters describing members’ cultivation experiences in various parts of Australia and overseas as well as documenting botanical changes resulting from research carried out in scientific institutions and the activities of members in field trips and garden visits. The Group has developed an Image Database and a list of where to buy Eremophila.

This site also contains plant profiles, observations on their response to fire (dating from the Pinery Fire in 2016).

[Main Image: Eremophila ‘Meringur Isaac’ (Ben Walcott)]

Join the Study Group

Membership is $5 p.a. to members of regional plant societies. Click the button to find out more.