Hypericum stellatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Hypericaceae. Finally, it is categorized within the genus Hypericum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Hypericum stellatum, possesses a specific and localized natural range. Its geographical presence is primarily concentrated within the Asian continent. Specifically, the species is native to the South-Central regions of China. Within these territories, it thrives in the unique environmental conditions provided by the local landscape. Consequently, its distribution remains restricted to this particular part of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Hypericum stellatum is closely tied to its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitat. This species typically thrives within a distinct montane or sub-montane ecological niche, occupying an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 800 m AMSL to a maximum of 1350 m AMSL. On average, the plant is most commonly found at a mean elevation of 1075 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-elevation environments that provide specific temperature and moisture regimes characteristic of this altitude. This narrow vertical distribution indicates that the species is adapted to the particular environmental pressures, such as atmospheric pressure, solar radiation intensity, and localized microclimates, found within this specific altitudinal belt.

Elevational range max:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1075 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Hypericum stellatum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its development, the species undergoes a cyclical pattern of growth and dormancy, establishing a robust presence in its natural habitat. As a perennial, it avoids the complete mortality associated with annuals or the single-flowering cycle of biennials, instead focusing on the gradual accumulation of energy and the strengthening of its root systems over time. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to endure fluctuating environmental conditions and ensures a continuous capacity for reproduction and seasonal regrowth.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Hypericum stellatum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a shrub. This plant exhibits significant variation in size, with its height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 25 meters, maintaining an average height of approximately 17.5 meters. In terms of its structural habit, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, lacking the climbing mechanisms found in obligatory or facultative climbers.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

25 m

Plant height mean:

17.5 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Hypericum stellatum is characterized by a specific range of morphological dimensions that facilitate its photosynthetic efficiency. The leaves exhibit a varied size profile, with a mean leaf length of 3.75 cm, though individual specimens can range from a minimum length of 2 cm to a maximum of 5.5 cm. Complementing this longitudinal variation, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 1 cm and a maximum of 2.2 cm. These specific measurements in leaf length and width reflect the plant's adaptive capacity in regulating surface area for light interception and gas exchange within its natural habitat.

Leaf length max:

5.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

3.75 cm

Leaf length min:

2 cm

Leaf width max:

2.2 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Hypericum stellatum is characterized by its distinctive flowering and fruiting structures. The plant produces an inflorescence with a length ranging from a minimum of 0.01 m to a maximum of 0.015 m. The flowers within this structure vary in size, with lengths measuring between 2.5 cm and 4 cm. Following successful pollination, the plant develops fruits that exhibit specific dimensional variations; the fruit length typically ranges from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 1.5 cm, with an average length of 1.25 cm. Similarly, the fruit width fluctuates between a minimum of 0.6 cm and a maximum of 0.8 cm, maintaining a mean width of 0.7 cm.

Flower length max:

4 cm

Flower length min:

2.5 cm

Fruit length max:

1.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

1.25 cm

Fruit length min:

1 cm

Fruit width max:

0.8 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.7 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Inflorescence length max:

0.015 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.01 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Hypericum stellatum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isojacareubin.

Isojacareubin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Hypericum stellatum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hepatitis.

Hepatitis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)