Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort
ExplorePlants
Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort
hypericum grandifolium
Large-Leaved Saint John's Wort (Hypericum grandifolium) is a robust, evergreen shrub native to the humid forests of Macaronesia. Standing out with its woody structure and bright, star-like yellow blossoms, this plant is a characteristic element of the Canary Islands and Madeira laurel forest understory. Its attractive foliage and striking clusters of flowers make it a visually captivating species for nature enthusiasts exploring these unique island ecosystems.
Habitat: Found in humid laurel forests (laurisilva) and damp, shaded ravines of the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Appearance
This evergreen shrub grows up to 1.8 meters tall, featuring reddish-brown stems and large, opposite, ovate-lanceolate leaves that can reach 10 centimeters in length. The bright yellow flowers are about 3 to 4.5 centimeters wide, showcasing five distinct petals and a dense, explosive cluster of numerous protruding yellow stamens in the center. After flowering, it produces distinctive reddish-brown to black, berry-like seed capsules.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyHypericaceaeGenusHypericum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The species name 'grandifolium' translates directly to 'large-leaved', highlighting its exceptionally broad foliage.
Unlike many continental Saint John's Wort species which are small herbs, this island native develops into a robust woody shrub.
When held up to the light, the leaves appear perforated due to tiny translucent glands containing essential oils.
Special abilities
Ability
Chemical Defense
Produces hypericin and other secondary metabolites that protect the plant's foliage from voracious herbivores.
Ability
Shade Tolerance
Possesses large leaf surface areas optimized to capture minimal light filtering through dense forest canopies.
Ability
Glandular Secretion
Features specialized translucent glands across its leaves that secrete aromatic essential oils to deter insect pests.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 50-180 cm
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own nutrients from sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential soil minerals.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Canary Island Bumblebee
Bombus canariensis
Pollinates the bright yellow flowers while collecting nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Saint John's Wort Beetle
Chrysolina hyperici
The beetle and its larvae feed extensively on the foliage.
competitor
Laurel Tree
Laurus novocanariensis
Competes for canopy sunlight and space in the dense laurel forest understory.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort?
The easiest way to identify Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort?
50-180 cm
How long does Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort live?
5-15 years
What does Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own nutrients from sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential soil minerals.
Where is Large-Leaved Saint John'S Wort usually found?
Found in humid laurel forests (laurisilva) and damp, shaded ravines of the Canary Islands and Madeira.
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