Eyebrights
What are they?
Eyebrights are members of the Orobanchaceae, the Broomrape family. In the past, they were thought to be in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), but recent genetic studies have shown them to be better placed with the broomrapes. These plants are partially parasitic (often called hemiparasites) on other plants; they have green leaves that produce chlorophyll and thus provide sustenance for the plant, but they also tap into neighbouring plants via their roots to obtain nutrients. Eyebrights are some of our most attractive wild flowers, but they are small and can easily go unnoticed.
Where are they found?
These are plants of a variety of open, grassy, usually sunny places. Some species occur on dry, chalk grassland sites while others are more typically found in damp grasslands and wetland margins.
Identification
Although wonderful to look at, eyebrights are a nightmare to identify to species! There is much variation in the plants, as well as the possibility of hybridisation, but the situation is made a little easier in East Anglia where we have fewer species than is the case further north and west in the UK. Identification is made based on the presence or absence of glandular hairs on the upper leaves, details of the leaf-like flower bracts (their shape and details of the marginal teeth), the growth style of the stems and the size of the flowers and their position on the main stem. Flowers of all our species may be white or tinged with lilac.
Note: It is important to note that very small examples of all species can be difficult to identify, often being shorter and with fewer side branches than in typical plants described below. It is therefore better to try to make an identification based on an average from several plants from within a population.
Common Eyebright Euphrasia nemorosa
Uncommon but the most widespread species on chalky soils across East Anglia and the species most likely to be found away from Breckland. Flowers June to September. Typically a much-branched plant to over 30cm in height (though often shorter) with a rather straight main stem and up to 10 erect or ascending side branches which are shorter than the main stem. Leaves and bracts typically deep green, glossy, sometimes tinged with purple; stem leaves oblong, ovate or elliptical. Lowest flower bracts ovate, equal to or smaller than the upper stem leaves; marginal teeth acuminate to aristate, with the basal teeth projecting outward or sometimes slightly towards the base; apex of bract subacute to acute. Flower 5-7mm in total length, the lowest appearing at the tenth node or above on the main stem.
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Confused Eyebright Euphrasia confusa
In our region, almost entirely confined to Breckland, where it can be quite common on heathy ground and forest rides. Flowers June to September. Typically a much-branched plant to 20cm in height (though often shorter) with a rather wavy main stem and up to 10 wavy or ascending side branches. Leaves and bracts typically matt green, but sometimes glossy and tinged with purple; stem leaves narrowly oblong or oblong-ovate. Lowest flower bracts narrowly oval, elliptic or ovate, usally equal to or smaller than the upper stem leaves; marginal teeth subacute to acute, with the basal teeth projecting outward or towards the tip; apex of bract obtuse to subacute. Flower 5-7mm in total length, the lowest appearing from the seventh node or above on the main stem.
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Chalk Eyebright Euphrasia pseudokerneri
A rare plant of good quality, species-rich plant communities in thin soils on chalk. Only likely to be found in the Newmarket area or westward on chalky soils. Flowers June to September. Typically a well-branched plant to 15cm in height (though often shorter) with slightly sinuous stems bearing leaves that are relatively small compared with the flowers. Leaves and flower bracts glossy green and often purple tinged above, with elongated (aristate) tips to the teeth, giving the plant a very 'spikey' look. Seed capsule much shorter than the surrounding calyx. Flowers realtively large, 7-9mm long
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