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

Common Name: fingerleaf eyebright

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Orobanchaceae

Form Description: Erect herb

Height (m): 0.02 – 0.15

Flowers: In dense terminal spike; white with mauve markings, yellow in mouth and throat, red-purple on each lobe.

Fruit: Capsule – small whitish seed released when ripe.

Municipality
Central HighlandsDerwent ValleyHuon ValleyKentishMeander ValleyWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationHeathSedgeland and Wetland
Habitat Notes

In bolster heath, heath and coniferous heath in wet places in the western and central mountains, generally occurring at altitudes of 700-1300 m.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Waterlogged, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Nutrient-poor, Poorly-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

This euphrasia is easily distinguished from other species by its deeply lobed leaves.

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

Plants are semi-parasitic and very difficult to grow from seed.

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 Storage Life

Short

Seed Treatment Notes

Leaching in running water for 24 hours or longer may be useful, or soaking in a gibberallic acid and water solution may enhance results and reduce germination time. Fresh seed is recommended. For alpine species low temp (10°C) may induce germination.