Eyebright (Euphrasia sp. — this is probably E. cuneata) grows in profusion along the track from Leon Kinvig hut to the crest of the Ngamoko range, as well as along similar tracks (e.g. Knights track on the western side of the Ngamoko). The little flowers look delicate but can clearly withstand wild conditions like these, on the day I climbed from Kinvig out over the range and down Knights track to the car.
[2 January 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 12–40 mm f2.8 at 12 mm, ISO 200, 1/30 at f8]
All content © 2014 Pete McGregor
[2 January 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 12–40 mm f2.8 at 12 mm, ISO 200, 1/30 at f8]
All content © 2014 Pete McGregor
Posts
6 comments:
Kia ora Pete,
A slightly foreboding view macro, but those micro moments keep reminding us of why we are there. Ataahua e hoa. They withstand earthquakes pretty well too!
Kia ora Robb. Not so fearsome when one knows the route well, but a different story over new ground. I was glad I knew this well.
I assume that with a name like that, 'eye-bright' has been used as a medicinal salve by the indigenous population. Or is it an import?
EC, Euphrasia cuneata is native to New Zealand, but the name 'eyebright' is used throughout the world to refer to refer to the genus. I assume, therefore, that the name was imported but not the plant ;^)
No idea about any medicinal use by Maori, but the wikipedia entry says eyebright is used to treat eye infections.
So many of the most extreme climates have the most delicate, tiny flowers. Proof of life.
Zhoen, that's so true. The resilience of apparently fragile things impresses me no end.
Post a Comment