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Image Credit: Wendy Potts – Natural Values Atlas
Scientific Name: Euphrasia fragosa Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: shy eyebright
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Orobanchaceae
Threatened Species Status: Endangered
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Short-lived perennial herb with up to 10 slender branches.
Height (m): 0.25 – 0.3
Flowers: Flowers terminal on branches, up to 10 pairs. Flowers have mauve petals, fading to white in the throat, with marked deep purple lines and a yellow spot below the anthers.
Fruit: Capsule
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Occurs in heathy, grassy or sedgy open woodland or on forest edges in the Southport area and on South Bruny Island.
General Notes
Euphrasia are semi-parasitic, and although they can survive without their hosts, they do not thrive.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
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Seed Collecting Month
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Sowing Month
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Cutting Month
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Propagation Method
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
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.