Large-Leaved Currybush

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Large-Leaved Currybush
• Large-Leaved Hypericum
• Large-Leaves St John's Wort

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hypericum conrauanum
• Hypericum riparium
• Hypericum roeperianum var. schimperi
• Hypericum schimperi
• Hypericum schimperi var. angustisepalum
• Hypericum schimperi var. huillense
• Hypericum quartinianum subsp. roeperianum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Hypericum roeperianum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling into the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Hypericaceae and is situated within the genus Hypericum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across the tropical regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in both Guinea and Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found extending through Cameroon and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Furthermore, its distribution reaches into Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Ethiopia. Together, these locations highlight a broad geographical footprint spanning multiple African subregions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Hypericum roeperianum is defined by its specific niche within montane environments, where it thrives across a defined altitudinal gradient. This species is primarily found at moderate elevations, occupying a vertical range that begins at 700 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 915 m AMSL. Within this specific elevational bracket, the plant adapts to the unique microclimates, soil compositions, and moisture regimes characteristic of these mid-altitude habitats. Its distribution is closely tied to these topographic constraints, which dictate the environmental variables necessary for its survival and growth within its native range.

Elevational range max:

915 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

700 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Hypericum roeperianum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial, the plant undergoes distinct seasonal phases, establishing a robust root system that allows it to survive dormant periods and regrow annually. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to invest energy into complex developmental stages, including vegetative growth and repeated reproductive cycles, which can vary in intensity depending on environmental stability and resource availability. Over its lifespan, the plant maintains a continuous presence in its habitat, contributing to the long-term stability of its ecological niche through sustained biomass and periodic flowering events.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Hypericum roeperianum is characterized by a woody, shrub-like growth form that functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber. This plant exhibits a significant size range, with a minimum plant height of 1.22 m and a maximum height reaching up to 5 m. In terms of its ecological habit, it is categorized as a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies, and it is not an epiphyte. While its habitat preferences can span a gradient from terrestrial to semiaquatic environments, its physical structure remains a robust, woody shrub.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Plant height min:

1.22 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Hypericum roeperianum is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit highly consistent physical dimensions. Based on botanical data, the seed mass for this species is uniform, with a mean mass of 5e-05 g. This consistency is reflected in the lack of variance across the recorded measurements, as both the maximum and minimum seed mass values are also documented at 5e-05 g. Such precise and lightweight seed characteristics are essential to the plant's dispersal and germination strategies within its natural habitat.

Seed mass mean:

5e-05 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Hypericum roeperianum has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Fitoterapia

Stem

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Hypericum roeperianum has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1-Hexadecanol, 1-OCTADECANOL, 2'-Methoxyflavone, 3'-Methoxy-flavone, CAMPESTEROL.

1-Hexadecanol

1. Phytochemistry

1-OCTADECANOL

1. Phytochemistry

2'-Methoxyflavone

1. Phytochemistry

3'-Methoxy-flavone

1. Phytochemistry

CAMPESTEROL

1. Phytochemistry

Hexadecanoic acid

1. Phytochemistry

Octadecanoic acid

1. Phytochemistry

STIGMASTANOL

1. Phytochemistry

STIGMASTEROL

1. Phytochemistry

Stigmast-4-en-3-one

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Hypericum roeperianum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. Fitoterapia

Cytotoxic

1. Fitoterapia

Medicinal Uses

Hypericum roeperianum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, HIV-1, anthrax, breast cancer, cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations