Eyebright  (Euphrasia vigursii)

Eyebright

Facts

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Anthophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Scrophulariales
Family Scrophulariaceae
Genus Euphrasia (1)
Size Stem height: 20 cm (occasionally up to 25 cm) (1)
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Status

Vulnerable in Great Britain (2).

Description

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).

Range

Occurs in Devon, where it has always been rare, and in Cornwall (3).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network GatewayDisplay NBN Map Button

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).

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).

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).

Conservation

There are two sites on Dartmoor where this species occurs. Suitable habitat management is underway at both sites (3).

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK Biodiversity Action Plan

Further Information

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:
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Glossary

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

  1. Stace, C. (1991) New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  2. Wigginton, M.J. (1999) British Red Data Book 1: Vascular Plants, 3rd Edition. JNCC, Peterborough.
  3. Dartmoor species action plan for Vigur's eyebright (March, 2002)
    http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/au-bap17.pdf
  4. Grigson, G. (1996) The Englishman's Flora. Helicon Publishing Limited, Oxford.
  5. UK BAP. Grouped Action Plan for eyebrights (March, 2002)
    http://www.ukbap.org.uk