Eremophila dichroantha

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Eremophila dichroantha, commonly known as bale-hook eremophila, is a flowering plant in the figwort family that is endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. It is a broom-like shrub with many upright branches, small hooked leaves, and abundant violet to lilac flowers.

Description
Eremophila dichroantha is an erect shrub that can reach about 0.5–3 meters in height. It is glabrous (without hairs) but has many raised glands, and the ends of the branches and younger leaves are sticky due to resin. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and are linear to needle-shaped, about 5–13 mm long and 1 mm wide, with a curved, hooked tip. Flowers appear in groups of 3–5 in the leaf axils on stalks 2–5 mm long and sticky when young. There are five overlapping brownish sepals (2–3.5 mm long) which are hairy on their edges and remain on the plant after flowering. The petals are 5–9 mm long and form a tubular flower. They are violet to lilac, sometimes white on the outside and white with violet spots inside the tube. The outside of the petal tube is mostly smooth, while the inside has long hairs. Four stamens are enclosed within the tube. The plant flowers from August to November, followed by oval, hairy fruits about 2–3 mm long.

Taxonomy and naming
The species was first described in 1904 by Ludwig Diels. The name dichroantha comes from Greek words meaning “two-coloured flower.” Synonyms include Bondtia exiliflora and Eremophila exiliflora, among others.

Distribution and habitat
Eremophila dichroantha is widespread and locally common between Balladonia, Esperance, and Lake King, including the Cape Arid and Norseman areas. It occurs in the Coolgardie, Esperance Plains, and Mallee biogeographic regions.

Conservation status
This species is classified as not threatened in Western Australia.

Use in horticulture
The plant is attractive due to its arching branches and masses of blue to purple flowers in spring, with persistent sepals after flowering. It is difficult to grow from cuttings or seeds but can be propagated by grafting onto Myoporum rootstock. It tolerates a wide range of soils and grows in full sun or partial shade. It is drought- and frost-t tolerant, and should be lightly pruned.