Ecology
There are two groupings of Eremophilas, those with flowers designed to attract insects and those designed to attract birds. Flowers of the former kind tend to be bluish-purple or white. The lower lips of the flower project forward to provide a landing area for the insects. The bird-attracting kind have red, orange, yellow or green flowers with lower lobes that point downwards to discourage insect nectar feeders. The longer stamens brush nectar onto the birds head as the bird's beak reaches down the floral tube toward the nectar.
Large amounts of the fruits are eaten by emus, passing through their gut. By this method the seeds are dispersed and provided with fertiliser at the same time.
Read more about this topic: Eremophila (plant)
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