Hypericum (Hypericum amblycalyx)
Facts – Hypericum
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Guttiferae |
| Genus | Hypericum (1) |
| Size | Stem length: up to 50 cm (2) |
Status – Hypericum
Classified as Rare on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plant Species 1997 (1).
Description – Hypericum
This Hypericum is a small, bushy shrub that is decorated during spring with a beautiful cloak of bright yellow flowers (2) (3). The petals and sepals are deciduous, being shed at the end of the flowering season (2). The plant is extensively branched with erect stems that grow in tufts, with thin leaves growing around each stem in whorls of four (2).
Range – Hypericum
Confined to the east side of the Greek island of Crete (2).
Habitat – Hypericum
Found in rocky areas (2).
Biology – Hypericum
The flowers of Hypericum species are hermaphrodite, meaning that they contain both male and female reproductive organs, and the fruit produced is usually a small capsule (2) (4). There are a large number of stamen in the centre of Hypericum flowers, the outer whorl of which is sterile or absent (4). This species blossoms in spring (3).
Threats – Hypericum
The threats to this species are unknown.
Conservation – Hypericum
There are currently no conservation measures targeting this species.
Find out more – Hypericum
For more information on this species see:
Tutin, T.G., Heywood, V.H., Burges, N.A. & Valentine, D.H. (1968) Flora Europaea: Rosaceae to Umbelliferae v. 2. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Authentication
Glossary
- Deciduous: a plant that sheds its leaves at the end of the growing season.
- Sepal: a floral leaf (collectively comprising the calyx of the flower) that forms the protective outer layer of a flower bud.
- Stamen: the male reproductive organ of a flower, it is made up of an anther (the pollen-producing organ) and a filament (stalk).
- Whorls: in plants, a set of leaves, flowers, or branches that spring from a stem at the same point and encircle it.
References
- Walter, K.S. and Gillett, H.J. (1998) 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants. IUCN (The World Conservation Union), Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.
- Tutin, T.G., Heywood, V.H., Burges, N.A. and Valentine, D.H. (1968) Flora Europaea: Rosaceae to Umbelliferae v. 2. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
-
Rock Garden Plants Database (April, 2006)
http://www.kadel.cz/flora/kvSearch.html - Heywood, V.H. (1978) Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
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© Julia Jones
Julia Jones
Albion House
Odos Filellinon
Pano Elounda 72053
Crete
Greece
Tel: +30 (00) 28410 42177
julia@flowersofcrete.info
http://www.flowersofcrete.info
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