Euphrasia minima

Dwarf Eyebright ( Euphrasia minima)

The dwarf - Eyebright ( Euphrasia minima) is a species of the genus Euphrasia, and thus half parasites.

Description

The dainty annual plant reaches heights of growth from 2 to 15 centimeters. The stem is erect and usually unbranched, with larger individuals but branched. The blades are up to 15 mm long and have a grannenlose to four teeth.

The flowers sit individually in the upper leaf axils. The white or yellow crown is between five and seven millimeters long. Note the dark maw veins and the yellow Saftmal. The upper lip is raised and brownish to purple. The lower lip is in three parts.

Blooms from July to September.

Occurrence

The distribution area includes the Alps from the Pyrenees to the Balkans. Frequently in Austria - is missing in Burgenland and Vienna.

As the site soils low in calcium, poor grass, characteristic species of grass harrows Krumm ( Curvuletum ) and dwarf shrub heath between 1200-3300 m above sea level are preferred.

Ecology

This type was one of the few annual plants of the alpine flora. All energy is directed into the reproductive organs to allow the seedlings a good start. Thus, a high proportion of nitrogen production of the mother plant is fed into the seeds that germinate in autumn and winter under the snow.

Although a single plant is very small, it can reduce significantly the pasture yield in the mass- occurrence.