Plant story
Eremophila sp.
Rainbow Valley Reserve where Eremophila A48866 Rainbow Valley occurs (Photo: K. Baker)
The Northern Territory became a Millennium Seedbank partner in November 2004. This region covers approximately 1.35 million km2 and extends from the arid inland of the continent to the northern tropics. The project is based in Alice Springs, which has a population of approximately 28 000 people and is located near the centre of Australia. The aim of the Northern Territory project is to collect 550 species over 6 years that are not already held within the Millennium Seedbank. As of August 2006, approximately 170 species had been collected and lodged at Wakehurst.
Immature fruit and flower of Eremophila A48866 Rainbow Valley (Photo: K. Baker)
A number of botanically significant species have been collected to date, including Eremophila "A48866 Rainbow Valley". This prostrate shrub is classified as nationally vulnerable, having only known seven populations. These populations are found within an area of 25 x 61 km south of Alice Springs on red dune sand country. Field observations suggest that the germination of this species is stimulated by fire.
Mature fruit of Eremophila A48866 Rainbow Valley. Dissected fruit shows 2 locules.
(Photo: K. Baker)
Story by Katherine Baker