Alpine st john’s-wort (Hypericum richeri, Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 44 (1779))

Family: Hypericaceae

Author: Vill.

Bibliography: Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 44 (1779)

Year: 1779

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hypericum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Pyrenees to W. Alps and NC. Italy, S. Carpathians to N. Balkan Pen.

Description

The Alpine St John’s-Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum richeri, is a remarkable plant species within the family Hypericaceae. This species, first documented by Villars in 1779 in “Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 44,” has a significant presence across various montane regions, highlighting its adaptability and ecological importance.

This perennial herbaceous plant thrives prominently in the Pyrenees, the western Alps, and north-central Italy. Its range further extends into the southern Carpathians and northern Balkan Peninsula, showcasing a wide distribution in European mountainous areas. The specific environmental conditions of these regions, characterized by cooler climates and varied altitudes, support the unique growth requirements of Hypericum richeri.

As a member of the Hypericaceae family, the Alpine St John’s-Wort shares familial characteristics with other Hypericum species, such as distinctive yellow flowers, which are often associated with medicinal properties. Indeed, many members of this family have historically been used in traditional medicine, and Hypericum richeri is no exception. It is renowned for its vibrant blooms that contribute to the biodiversity and aesthetic value of Alpine meadows and rocky slopes.

The ecological role of Hypericum richeri is quite significant, as it provides habitat and nourishment for various pollinators, thereby supporting the local ecosystems. Its presence in diverse and often harsh environments illustrates the plant’s resilience and its contribution to the stability of these ecosystems.

In summary, Hypericum richeri, or Alpine St John’s-Wort, is a resilient and ecologically valuable plant that enhances the biodiversity and beauty of Europe’s mountainous landscapes. Its extensive natural range and role within its habitat underscore its importance both scientifically and environmentally.

Common Names

Eng: alpine st john’s-wort
En: Alpine St John’s-wort, Alpine Saint-John’s-wort
Fr: Millepertuis de Richer
De: Richers Johanniskraut
It: Erba di S. Giovanni di Belleval, Erba di San Giovanni di Belleval

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Schumic75 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 30, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Laurent LEGRAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Christian Widmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:433802-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7611086)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypericum richeri Vill.)

Specifications

Growth