Euphrasia micrantha

A rather slight eyebright whose stems and sepals are suffused with purple. The attractive purple or lilac flowers are a little smaller than those of Common Eybright (Euphrasia nemorosa) which sometimes has pale lilac flowers and with which it may be confused. It also hybridises with Common Eyebright and this is another source of confusion. However its slender form, long internodes and purple colouration are good indicators. It is predominantly a heathland species with a western and northern distribution in Britain, frequently associated with Heather (Calluna vulgaris) which may be one of its principal hosts. It also grows in sandy or skeletal habitats such as gravel pits and quarries. Plants conforming broadly to the main distinguishing features of Slender Eyebright have been recorded in heathy areas in the South Wales Coalfield in Neath Port Talbot and particularly in old quarries and sometimes along forest roads which have been dressed with sandstone grit.

Native