Euphrasia striata


Euphrasia striata, commonly known as ‘shiny striped eyebright’ is an endemic Tasmanian species, which is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family. The distinctive purple striations on the petals, from which the name was derived, are characteristic of the species.

Taxonomy

The genus Euphrasia of the family Scrophulariaceae consists of semi-parasitic annual and perennial herbs and small shrubs. Euphrasia occur extensively in temperate regions across the globe, with twenty-two species found in Australia, all of which are endemic. Euphrasia is a prominent genus within the native flora of Tasmania and is relatively diverse across its nine native species

Description

Euphrasia striata is a short, perennial herb which is unbranched above ground. It generally ranges from 5 – 20 cm in height and has a width of 20 – 30 cm. Its leaves are glossy, fleshy, opposite, widest at the top, prominently lobed with a pointed apex green and brownish purple in colour. Flowers have white petals with three distinctive purple striations, a yellow patch within the throat of the corolla., anthers with a short awn, and are arranged in terminal spikes. Flowering occurs from summer to autumn. Fruit takes the form of a pointed capsule between 4 and 6 mm long

Key distinguishing characteristics

Key characteristics distinguishing Euphrasia striata from other Euphrasia species:
  • Purple striations on petals
  • No hairs on the stamens where anthers attach
  • Plant not branched above ground

Habitat and distribution

Euphrasia striata is commonly occurring in alpine and sub-alpine areas., especially in the higher altitude grasslands of Tasmania's central and southern highlands

Ecology

Euphrasia striata prefers areas of open alpine habitat, which is maintained through exposure to harsh conditions such as strong winds and low temperatures. This habitat preference is explained by the requirement of light for seed germination. Euphrasia striata is semi-parasitic, forming a non-specific relationship with hosts during seedling establishment. This semi-parasitic nature helps the species survive the harsh conditions it often inhabits.