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Description:
Euphrasia Zelandica, commonly known as New Zealand eyebright, is a small herbaceous plant native to New Zealand. It belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and is known for its beautiful flowers that resemble the human eye. The plant has a long history of medicinal use by the indigenous people of New Zealand, who used it to treat various eye ailments. Euphrasia Zelandica is a perennial plant that grows up to 20 cm tall and forms small clumps in the wild. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and its flowers are white with purple or blue markings.
Taxonomic Information:
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Euphrasia |
Appearance:
Euphrasia Zelandica is a small, delicate plant with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 2 cm long. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem and are slightly hairy. The plant produces beautiful flowers that are white with purple or blue markings and have a distinctive eye-like pattern. The flowers are about 1 cm long and are borne on short stalks that emerge from the leaf axils. The plant has a fibrous root system and forms small clumps in the wild.
Care Guide:
Euphrasia Zelandica is a relatively easy plant to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: Euphrasia Zelandica prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Euphrasia Zelandica does not require fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Euphrasia Zelandica prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.- Sunlight: Euphrasia Zelandica prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.- Hardiness Zones: Euphrasia Zelandica is hardy to USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases:
Euphrasia Zelandica is generally free from serious pest and disease problems, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and can cause them to curl and distort. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overcrowding your plants and provide good air circulation.- Root Rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, make sure your soil is well-drained and do not overwater your plant.
Habitat:
Euphrasia Zelandica is native to New Zealand and can be found throughout the country in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and rocky areas. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer:
Q: Can Euphrasia Zelandica be grown indoors?A: Yes, Euphrasia Zelandica can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light and is kept moist.Q: How often should I water my Euphrasia Zelandica?A: Euphrasia Zelandica should be watered regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Q: Can Euphrasia Zelandica be propagated from cuttings?A: Yes, Euphrasia Zelandica can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in early summer.Q: Is Euphrasia Zelandica poisonous?A: No, Euphrasia Zelandica is not poisonous and is safe to handle.
Related Plants:
– Euphrasia nemorosa- Euphrasia officinalis- Euphrasia rostkoviana- Euphrasia stricta
References:
– “Euphrasia Zelandica.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. http://nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/euphrasia-zelandica/- “Euphrasia Zelandica.” Te Papa Tongarewa. https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/1382190- “Euphrasia Zelandica.” NZPCN New Zealand Plant Names Database. https://www.nzplantnames.com/name/71b5fd5d-1d39-4a8d-8fd5-5d1d394a8d4e
