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Description
Euphrasia Mollis, commonly known as Eyebright, is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated for its medicinal value. The plant grows up to a height of 30 cm and has a hairy stem. The leaves are small, lance-shaped, and have serrated edges. The flowers are white with yellow or purple veins and bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Dicotyledonae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Euphrasia |
Appearance
Eyebright is a small, bushy plant with hairy stems, small leaves, and white flowers with yellow or purple veins. The plant grows up to 30 cm in height and has a spreading habit. The leaves are small, lance-shaped, and have serrated edges. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from June to September and produces small, brown, oblong fruits.
Care Guide
To cultivate Eyebright, you need to provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Eyebright likes moist soil, so water it regularly. Ensure that the soil does not dry out.Fertilization: Eyebright does not require fertilization.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Eyebright prefers partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: Eyebright grows well in hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eyebright is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can infest Eyebright. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.Diseases: Eyebright is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and is not overwatered.
Habitat
Eyebright is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly found in meadows and grasslands. The plant grows well in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade to full sun. It is widely cultivated for its medicinal value and can be found in many herb gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Eyebright?A: Eyebright is used in traditional medicine to treat eye infections, allergies, and inflammation.Q: How do you propagate Eyebright?A: Eyebright can be propagated by division or by seed.Q: Can Eyebright be grown indoors?A: Yes, Eyebright can be grown indoors in a well-lit spot.Q: What are the other common names of Eyebright?A: Eyebright is also known as Euphrasia officinalis or Euphrasia rostkoviana.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Eyebright:
- Euphrasia stricta
- Euphrasia nemorosa
- Euphrasia salisburgensis
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrasia_mollis
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/eyebright/growing-eyebright.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17410/euphrasia-mollis/details
