Scientific name: Hypericum chinense
Common names: Gold Silk Sea Bream, Yellow Sea Pease Lunar Lotus, Soil Forsythia
Family and Genus: Hypericum is a genus in the family Hypericaceae.
Origin: This plant is native to China, mainly found in central and southern provinces.
Morphological Characteristics: Hypericum chinense is an evergreen shrub that typically grows up to about one meter in height. The stems are smooth and soft. Leaves are opposite, sessile, and oblong with entire margins. It blooms from June to July, producing flowers at the top of the branches, either singly or in clusters. The flowers have five obovate petals that are yellowish-green in color, and the stamens are numerous, longer than the petals, and golden in hue. As described in the "Fang Fang Spectrum," "If you spread the flowers, it looks like natural gold," which gives the plant its common name.
At the base of the stamens, there are five bundles. The style is slender, with five splits at the top, and after flowering, the fruit develops into an oval capsule. The seeds are small and numerous.
There is another variety called Golden Plum, also belonging to the Hypericum genus. It has ribbed branches and smaller, oval-shaped leaves. Its petals are broader than those of regular Hypericum, and its stamens (filaments) are shorter, not extending beyond the petals. The flowers are all the same color.
Growth Habits: Hypericum prefers sunny to partially shaded areas, often growing in moist river valleys on sandy loam soils. It thrives in well-drained soil and is moderately hardy. It does not tolerate waterlogging. In northern regions, it should be planted in sunny, sheltered spots. During winter, it may lose its leaves, but the roots can survive if the soil is properly cultivated for winter protection.
Hypericum is a temperate plant that thrives in humid and semi-shaded environments. When planted under spring-flowering trees like magnolia, peach, camellia, or clove, it can extend the visual interest of the landscape. Planted near rockeries, it adds grace and beauty. It's also commonly used along flower paths, where it creates a stunning golden display when in bloom.
Due to its limited cold tolerance, Hypericum should be planted in sunny locations in northern regions. In late autumn, covering the roots with soil helps protect the plant during winter. Additionally, it can be used as a bonsai specimen due to its attractive form and structure.
Medicinal Value: Hypericum chinense is also a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Its roots, stems, leaves, and flowers are used for their therapeutic properties, including anti-depressant, sedative, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is particularly noted for its strong antiviral activity, effective against both DNA and RNA viruses, and even used in the treatment of AIDS. Hypericin, a compound extracted from the plant, is also used in cosmetics for skin treatments.
Flower Language: Nobility, Superstition.
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