Pretty Eyebright - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

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 bella

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 07 Aug 2024

Description

This dwarf perennial herb grows erect or sprawling, to about 30 cm tall. It is a partial parasite on the roots of other plants. Short hairs cover the branchlets. The paired leaves are about 10 – 15 mm long and 3 – 5 mm wide, and have two or three large blunt teeth along each edge. The leaf-stalks are very short. Branching flower spikes hold 12 – 36 light-mauve to deep-blue flowers with a yellow blotch on the lower lip. The fruit is a ribbed capsule that splits to release many small seeds.

Distribution

It occurs only on the McPherson Range, on Mount Merino in Limpinwood Nature Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

On the edge of cliffs near cool temperate rainforest with Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei).
The environment is wet but well-drained.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Risk of extinction because populations are small and localised.
Trampling by visitors.
Collection by enthusiasts.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds, particularly Mistflower (Ageratina riparia).
Loss of seed due to lack of pollinators.
Inappropriate fire regimes: too frequent or too intense fires might inhibit growth or reproduction; too long fire intervals may result in absence of plants
The geographical extent and size of populations is unknown

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

Stay on tracks when walking in national parks.
View and photograph plants but leave them in the wild.
Control of weeds in existing and potential high-altitude rainforest habitats.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	North of Kyogle and above 400 m altitude

Images

Flowers, Pretty Eyebright
Enlarge image

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Euphrasia bella

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species