Hypericum laricifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hypericum laricifolium var. acerosum
• Hypericum laricoides
• Hypericum acerosum
• Brathys laricifolia
• Brathys acerosa
• Hypericum platypetalum
• Hypericum racemulosum
• Hypericum tinctorum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Hypericaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Hypericum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the tropical regions of the Americas. In Northern South America, it can be found growing within the borders of Venezuela. Its presence extends into Western South America, where it is documented in Colombia. Furthermore, the species is naturally distributed throughout Ecuador. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the western territories of Peru.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Hypericum laricifolium is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude montane and subalpine environments. This species thrives within a specific vertical niche, occupying an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 2500 m AMSL to a maximum of 4300 m AMSL. Such a broad altitudinal distribution suggests a high degree of environmental plasticity, allowing it to persist in varying microclimates ranging from temperate mountain slopes to the more extreme, cold-stressed conditions of near-alpine zones. Its presence at these significant heights indicates an ability to tolerate intense ultraviolet radiation, fluctuating diurnal temperatures, and potentially thin, rocky soils characteristic of high-elevation terrain.

Elevational range max:

4300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2500 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Hypericum laricifolium is characterized by a woody growth form, functioning as a self-supporting shrub. It is an independent species that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining a terrestrial existence rather than acting as an epiphyte. The plant's habit is strictly non-aquatic, categorized as terrestrial, and it lacks any climbing mechanisms such as lianas or vines, instead relying on its own structural integrity for support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Hypericum laricifolium is characterized by a fundamental reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism wherein carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound during the initial stage of the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy involves the enzyme RuBisCO facilitating the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, which is typical for many temperate woody shrubs and herbaceous perennials within the Hypericaceae family. Through this C3 process, the plant utilizes sunlight to drive the conversion of water and carbon dioxide into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates, supporting its vegetative growth and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. The efficiency of this pathway is closely tied to the plant's transpiration rates and its ability to manage photorespiration, particularly in varying environmental light intensities and moisture availability.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Hypericum laricifolium has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include caffeic acid, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, quercetin, 3 Epi betulinic Acid, 3,4-Dimethoxy-benzoic acid.

caffeic acid

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

quercetin

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

3 Epi betulinic Acid

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

3,4-Dimethoxy-benzoic acid

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Docosanol

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Kaempferol 3-O-glucuronide

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Medicinal Uses

Hypericum laricifolium has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, bacterial infections, dental caries.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations