Euphrasia dunensis
Local name: Klit-øjentrøst
Klit-øjentrøst (Euphrasia dunensis) is a small annual parasitic plant endemic to coastal dune systems, characterized by tiny white flowers with purple markings and deeply toothed leaves. This specialized eyebright species plays a crucial ecological role as a hemiparasite, obtaining nutrients from host grasses while contributing to the biodiversity of fragile dune ecosystems.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Lamiales
Family
Orobanchaceae
Genus
Euphrasia
Euphrasia dunensis belongs to the family Orobanchaceae, order Lamiales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Klit-øjentrøst (Euphrasia dunensis) is a small annual parasitic plant endemic to coastal dune systems, characterized by tiny white flowers with purple markings and deeply toothed leaves. This specialized eyebright species plays a crucial ecological role as a hemiparasite, obtaining nutrients from host grasses while contributing to the biodiversity of fragile dune ecosystems.
Euphrasia dunensis is critically endangered due to severe habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal dune ecosystems. The species faces ongoing threats from coastal development, recreational pressure, and changes in natural dune dynamics that have dramatically reduced suitable habitat across its limited range.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Klit-øjentrøst inhabits stabilized coastal sand dunes and dune grasslands, particularly in areas with sparse vegetation where it can establish parasitic relationships with native grasses. The species requires the specific microclimate and soil conditions found in these dynamic coastal environments.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Euphrasia dunensis is critically endangered due to severe habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal dune ecosystems. The species faces ongoing threats from coastal development, recreational pressure, and changes in natural dune dynamics that have dramatically reduced suitable habitat across its limited range.
Altered dune dynamics and stabilization
Habitat loss from coastal development
Recreational trampling and disturbance
Climate change and sea level rise
Competition from invasive plant species
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Euphrasia dunensis (Euphrasia dunensis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/klit-jentrst