57 - Hypericaceae
from Division 5 - Magnoliophyta
Summary
Shrubs or herbs, with translucent glands containing essential oils and sometimes red or black glands containing hypericin. Leaves simple, opposite or rarely in whorls of 3–4; petiole absent or very short, without stipules. Inflorescence of solitary flowers or in terminal cymes; flowers actinomorphic, bisexual, hypogynous. Sepals 5, free, often glandular. Petals 5, free, yellow, often glandular. Stamens numerous, usually partially fused into 3–5 fascicles. Styles 3 or 5; stigmas capitate. Fruit a capsule or becoming succulent and berry-like.
Hypericum L.
Herbs or shrubs. Leaves sessile or nearly so. Flowers usually without nectar. Sepals 5. Petals 5, yellow, generally very oblique. Stamens numerous, often more or less connate in bundles; anthers versatile. Styles 3 or 5, free or connate; stigmas capitate. Ovary 1-celled, with 3 or 5 parietal placentae, or 3- or 5-celled with axile placentae. Fruit a capsule or becoming succulent and berry-like.
Contains over 400 species in temperate zones and on mountains in the tropics.
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- Information
- Flora of Great Britain and Ireland , pp. 560 - 572Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2018