Scientific Name: Euphrasia amphisysepala Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: shiny cliff-eyebright

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Orobanchaceae

Threatened Species Status: Rare

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Short-lived perennial herb.

Flowers: At ends of branches, up to 15 flowers. Scented, with creamy white petals, sometimes with a pink-purple tinge, particularly on the back of the hood. The petals can have purple stripes extending from the flower throat.

Fruit: Capsule – seeds are small and whitish, and disperse when ripe.

Municipality
Tasman
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Restricted to coastal dolerite cliff faces on the Tasman Peninsula, in Tasman National Park.

General Notes

Euphrasia are semi-parasitic, and although they can survive without their hosts, they do not thrive.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Most Euphrasia species are difficult to grow from seed, probably due to chemical inhibitors and/or immature embryos. Seed production is prolific. Fresh seed is recommended, although seed may maintain its viability for several years.

Seed Treatment Method

Leaching Some species require extended time in nature weathering prior to germination as chemical inhibitors are broken down in the seed coat. Replicate this process by flushing away the inhibitor with frequent washing e.g. place the seeds in a stocking in a toilet cistern and drape it over the top for easy handling.

Seed Treatment Notes

Plants are semi-parasitic and very difficult to grow from seed. Leaching in running water for 24 hours or more may be worthwhile, and soaking in a giberellic acid solution may also quicken germination. Euphrasia seed also has a requirement for light for germination; surface sow or cover lightly.