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Eyebright (Euphrasia vigursii)
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Find out here.Eyebright fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Eyebright description
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Anthophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Scrophulariales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Euphrasia (1) |
This attractive endemic eyebright produces large (2), lilac-deep purple flowers, which are occasionally white (1). The leaves and bracts are covered in long hairs (3).
- Size
- Stem height: 20 cm (occasionally up to 25 cm) (1)
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Related species
Eyebright biology
This species seems to have evolved by crossing between two different species of eyebright; Euphrasia anglia and Euphrasia miracantha (2). During the Middle Ages, the related species Euphrasia officinalis was used to brighten the eyes, hence the common name 'eyebright' (4).
TopEyebright range
Occurs in Devon, where it has always been rare, and in Cornwall (3).
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Species with a similar range
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You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Eyebright habitat
Grows on bristle brent (Argostis curtisii) and western gorse (Ulex galli) heathlands (3). The species requires fairly open conditions and short grass created by grazing or burning to keep the gorse and heather in check (3). It often occurs alongside paths in coastal areas, where regular trampling maintains open conditions (2).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Eyebright status
Vulnerable in Great Britain (2).
TopEyebright threats
Habitat destruction has resulted in the loss of this plant at a number of sites in inland Cornwall (5). Grazing maintains the open conditions favoured by this species, so the widespread decline in grazing poses a threat (5).
TopEyebright conservation
There are two sites on Dartmoor where this species occurs. Suitable habitat management is underway at both sites (3).
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The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK BAP. |
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There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Find out more
- The Dartmoor Species Action Plan for this species is available at:
http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/au-bap17.pdf
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.ukTopGlossary
- Bracts
- Modified leaves at the base of a flower.
- Endemic
- A species or taxonomic group that is only found in one particular country or geographic area.
References
- Stace, C. (1991) New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Wigginton, M.J. (1999) British Red Data Book 1: Vascular Plants, 3rd Edition. JNCC, Peterborough.
- Dartmoor species action plan for Vigur's eyebright (March, 2002)
http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/au-bap17.pdf - Grigson, G. (1996) The Englishman's Flora. Helicon Publishing Limited, Oxford.
- UK BAP. Grouped Action Plan for eyebrights (March, 2002)
http://www.ukbap.org.uk
More »Related species
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Eyebright
© Granada Wild
Granada Wild
c/o ITN Source
200 Gray's Inn Road
London
WC1X 8XZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7430 4480
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7430 4453
uksales@itnsource.com
http://www.itnsource.com
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