Book Review: A Field Guide to the Eremophilas of Western Australia
Book Review by Phil Trickett
A Field Guide to the Eremophilas of Western Australia
By Andrew Brown & Bevan J Buirchell
This update of the 2011 first edition is a superb publication, making it an essential purchase for lovers of Eremophila. Structured the same as the 2011 edition, this revised edition adds an amazing 22 named taxa and 16 unnamed taxa, a reflection of the enduring passion of authors Andrew Brown and Bevan Buirchell in their exploration of the WA bush. Andrew and Bevan are currently Research Associates at the WA Herbarium where they continue their taxonomic work on Eremophila. This taxonomic work, combined with extensive ongoing field work, has resulted in the formal descriptions of many new Eremophila species since the first edition.
While the majority of the field guide is devoted to the 238 species, 70 subspecies and two varieties currently recognised in Western Australia, the first 29 pages provides a detailed, easy to digest introduction to Eremophila. The initial discovery after European settlement is followed by the distribution and habitat of this genus, and all the various characteristics of Eremophila including flowering, pollination, reproduction and hybridization. The many threats to various species due to agriculture, mining and feral pests are noted, with a detailed list of the 136 species threatened or potentially at risk. Importantly for those looking to collect specimens, there is a useful outline of the WA State Government regulations relevant to the collection of plant material in the wild. A concise description of the various methods used to cultivate Eremophila is also included in the introduction section.
Then follows an amazing bank of knowledge as the guide devotes one page to each of the species, subspecies and varieties currently recognised. Importantly, each species is placed in alphabetical order of the species name, making navigation of the guide very simple. Each page comprises three photos, with at least one close up flower photo, one of the whole plant, and often a photo of the typical habitat of the species. The photos are consistently high quality and along with the species notes there is all you need to know to have a decent attempt at identifying a species in the field. The notes commence with an explanation of the derivation of the species name, followed by the flowering time, then a description of the species, including distribution and habitat, finishing with a paragraph on the species' initial collection and naming. Importantly, differences to similar taxa are included in the species description to help identification. There is an excellent detailed glossary at the back of the guide to help understand the descriptions of the characteristics of each species.
We are very fortunate in Australia to have many high-quality publications on some of our most iconic plant genera. Eremophila has been particularly well served since the publication of Bob Chinnock’s encyclopaedic work ‘Eremophila and allied genera. A Monograph of the Myoporaceae' in 2007, with three excellent publications on Eremophila by some of its most passionate and knowledgeable devotees. This update to one of these publications provides not just an essential reference when exploring the stunning Western Australian bush, but a fascinating read for all Eremophila lovers whether in the garden or travelling.
Note that this guide’s value is not confined to WA only, given that many of the species in this guide are also found growing in South Australia and Northern Territory, making it useful when exploring these areas as well.
Page sample from the book
Book Review Published: Journal June 2022