Rough Eyebright - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Euphrasia scabra

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 13 Aug 1999

Profile last updated: 06 Nov 2023

Description

Rough Eyebright is a semi-parasitic, annual herb, growing to about 0.5 m tall. The stems branch just below the flower-clusters (inflorescence). The leaves are variable on individual plants; those closer to the inflorescences tend to be narrower and have more teeth. The leaves are stalkless with up to five pairs of teeth and a terminal tooth. The green calyx (the ‘base’ of the flower) is four-lobed and covered in hairs. The yellow flower tube is five-lobed.

Distribution

There are ten old herbarium collections of Rough Eyebright from NSW (including Port Jackson, Bathurst Plains, Lake George, Jindabyne, Yarrangobilly Caves and Tumbarumba). The species is regarded as extinct in South Australia. There is one population in Tasmania and seven in Victoria. There are three extant populations in NSW: Bondi State Forest, South East Forests National Park and near Nunnock Swamp. Total NSW population is between 250 and 500 plants.This number varies with season with few plants appearing in some years.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs in or at the margins of swampy grassland or in sphagnum bogs, often in wet, peaty soil.
An annual species.
Most flowering collections of the species have been made between January and April.
Appears to be self-fertilising but seed production is variable, perhaps depending on season.
Although parasitic, the species does not appear to be host-specific.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Feral pigs feeding on tubers, and digging and wallowing around populations affecting plant survival.
Small population size leading to risk of localised extinction as it is susceptible to loss of habitat from variation in swamp water levels, persistent drought and browsing pressure.
Small number of populations. Identification of any new populations essential.
Feral deer browsing on the species affecting plant survival, and disturbing habitat through wallowing and trampling.
Mixed weeds including blackberry outcompeting Euphrasia scabra. Pressure from competition increases post-fire.
Drought increasing pressure from livestock browsing on plants when food sources are scarce, affecting plant survival. Effects are compounded by drying of bogs during drought.
Rabbits grazing on species affecting plant survival. Pressure from rabbits increasing during dry periods.
Disturbance from recreational users, 4WDs and campers trampling plants and habitat, affecting plant survival.
Domestic stock grazing on Euphrasia scabra affecting plant survival and reducing habitat quality through pugging and trampling. Effects are exacerbated during drought conditions.
Insufficient understanding of species fire ecology, including fire frequency and intensity, and germination post-fire.
Creek bank and bed erosion changing swamp hydrology and reducing habitat suitability for Euphrasia scabra.
Forestry activity such as logging is impacting species by changing swamp hydrology and water levels.
Overabundant native herbivores browsing on the species affecting plant survival.
Domestic/travelling stock grazing on Euphrasia scabra affecting plant survival.
Insufficient understanding of species germination requirements, including post-fire.
Microhabitat required for successful germination and survival not known, potentially threatened by increased plant biomass as a result of lack of disturbance.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Undertake pig and deer control.
Searches should be made for the species in autumn where developments or activities may have an impact on potential habitat (such searches are normally done in spring when most other species are in flower).
Damage to or changes in hydrology of swampy vegetation must be avoided.
All vegetation within 200 m of swamps supporting the species should be retained and not disturbed.
Fence the populations to exclude stock and vehicles; otherwise limit movement through the populations.
Undertake weed control where required. Avoid spraying weeds close to Rough Eyebright to ensure they are not impacted by poison.
Consult with State Forests to ensure the roadside population is not inadvertently destroyed.
Undertake searches for other populations in likely habitats in areas the species is known to have previously occupied.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1993) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Euphrasia scabra (a herb) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (1999) Flora of Victoria; Volume 4, Dicotyledons Cornaceae to Asteraceae. (Inkata Press, Melbourne)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Australian Alps	Snowy Mountains	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bathurst	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bondo	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kanangra	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kybeyan-Gourock	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Monaro	Known	None