Euphrasia arguta - 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 arguta

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 02 Dec 2011

Profile last updated: 10 Dec 2020

Description

Euphrasia arguta is an erect annual herb ranging in height from 20-35 cm. Collectively, the Euphrasia are commonly known as 'eyebrights'. Its branches are densely covered with stiff hairs and the leaf margins usually have 2-4 pairs of teeth. The flowers vary in colour from white to lilac with yellow, and are borne on flower spikes of 50 to 90 flowers.

Distribution

Euphrasia arguta was rediscovered in the Nundle area of the NSW north western slopes and tablelands in 2008. Prior to this, it had not been collected for 100 years. Historically, Euphrasia arguta has only been recorded from relatively few places within an area extending from Sydney to Bathurst and north to Walcha. The Royal Botanic Gardens Specimen Register records an additional location reported and vouchered in 2002 from near the Hastings River; and Euphrasia arguta was also recorded from the Barrington Tops in 2012.

Habitat and ecology

Historic records of the species noted the following habitats: 'in the open forest country around Bathurst in sub humid places', 'on the grassy country near Bathurst', and 'in meadows near rivers'.
Plants from the Nundle area have been reported from eucalypt forest with a mixed grass and shrub understorey; here, plants were most dense in an open disturbed area and along the roadside, indicating the species had regenerated following disturbance.
The number of plants at a given site may vary over time depending on the season and disturbance history.
Near Nundle, local populations had apparently declined at sites that had been disturbed twice within three years, in contrast with sites that were disturbed only once.
Euphrasia arguta has an annual habit and has been observed to die off over the winter months, with active growth and flowering occurring between January and April.
As with other species of Euphrasia, this species is semi-parasitic and attaches to the roots of other associated plants.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Restricted distribution and not known to occur within a conservation reserve
Forestry operations
Road maintenance activities, including clearing and herbicide use
Clearing of native vegetation, in particular for fire breaks
Disturbance regimes that are too frequent and/or poorly timed with regard to the species' reproductive cycle
Impacts associated with domestic stock grazing
Impacts associated with feral pigs and feral herbivores
Potential for the species to be susceptible to Phytophthora infection
Habitat infestation by tree of heaven, Leucanthemum vulgare and other invasive weeds.
Proximate native vegetation is likely to encroach and compete for space and resources, restricting the species' ability to grow and reproduce

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

Survey and document extant locations of this species.
Investigate and determine appropriate disturbance regimes for the species, with regard to forestry, road maintenace and fire management.
Control forestry operations in the vicinity of known sites.
Protect known sites from grazing and cultivation.
Collect a viable and representative sample of seed as insurance against local extinctions and catastrophic events.
Communicate and engage with land holders and land managers over the significance of extant sites with view to implementing sympathetic management practises.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Nandewar	Peel	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Barrington	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Mummel Escarpment	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Tomalla	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Predicted	None
NSW South Western Slopes	Capertee Valley	Predicted	None
NSW South Western Slopes	Inland Slopes	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Capertee Uplands	Predicted	None

Related information

Euphrasia arguta R. Br. - critically endangered species listing

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