Hypericum barbatum

Description

Hypericum barbatum is a species in the genus Hypericum. They are found in southeast Europe, especially in Greece. The sepals bear many long silky hairs hence the specific name barbatum meaning "bearded". There are over 490 species in the genus. The name hypericum may derive from the Greek for "above pictures," for its use over shrines to repel evil spirits, though some have translated it as "above the heath". Hypericums range from herbaceous annuals or perennials 5–10 cm tall to shrubs and small trees up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite, simple oval, 1–8 cm long, either deciduous or evergreen. The flowers vary from pale to dark yellow, and from 0.5–6 cm in diameter, with five (rarely four) petals, most having prominent stamens. The fruit is usually a dry capsule which splits to release the numerous small seeds.