Round-pod st. john’s-wort (Hypericum cistifolium, Encycl. 4: 158 (1797))

Family: Hypericaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 4: 158 (1797)

Year: 1797

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hypericum

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A. to E. Texas

Description

Round-pod St. John’s-wort, scientifically known as Hypericum cistifolium, is a notable plant species described by the botanist Lam. in 1797, as referenced in the Encyclopedia (vol. 4, p. 158). This species is primarily native to the Southeastern United States, extending its range to Eastern Texas. Hypericum cistifolium is a part of the Hypericaceae family, which includes a diverse array of plants often recognized for their medicinal and ornamental value.

Round-pod St. John’s-wort is characterized by its distinct fruit, which takes on a rounded, capsule-like shape. This unique trait is a significant identification feature within its genus. The plant typically thrives in the regional climate of the southeastern U.S., adapting well to the area’s specific soil and weather conditions. The natural habitat of Hypericum cistifolium includes open woodlands, meadows, and areas with sandy or well-drained soils.

Botanists and plant enthusiasts often seek out Round-pod St. John’s-wort not only for its ecological presence but also for its potential applications in traditional and modern herbal practices. The genus Hypericum has a long history of use in treating various ailments, primarily leveraging the medicinal compounds found within the plant.

In summary, while Hypericum cistifolium may not be as universally recognized as other members of the Hypericaceae family, its presence in the Southeastern U.S. to Eastern Texas highlights its importance in regional biodiversity and its potential benefits in horticultural and medicinal domains.

Common Names

Eng: round-pod st. john’s-wort, roundpod st. johnswort
En: Round-pod St. John’s-wort, Roundpod St. Johnswort, Cluster-leaf st.john’s wort
: Roundpod st. johnswort

Synonyms

• Hypericum punctulosum (Bertol.)
• Myriandra rosmarinifolia ((Lam.) K.Koch)
• Hypericum opacum (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Brathydium hyssopifolium (Spach)
• Hypericum nudiflorum (Hook. & Arn.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by brunhildethebonny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2012 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2021 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2021 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by vidclip (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 23, 2012 by EOL − Sharpj99 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2011 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189466)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:433322-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypericum cistifolium Lam.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Stoloniferous

Growth habit>: Shrub, Forb/herb, Subshrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.6