Hypericum rubicundulum
Synonyms
None. First described in December 2008
Family
Hypericaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Native
Endemic taxon
Yes
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
Chromosome number
2n = 16
Current conservation status
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2017 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This report includes a statistical summary and brief notes on changes since 2012 and replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Authors: By Peter J. de Lange, Jeremy R. Rolfe, John W. Barkla, Shannel P. Courtney, Paul D. Champion, Leon R. Perrie, Sarah M. Beadel, Kerry A. Ford, Ilse Breitwieser, Ines Schönberger, Rowan Hindmarsh-Walls, Peter B. Heenan and Kate Ladley.
2018 | Threatened – Nationally Endangered
Previous conservation statuses
2012 | Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable | Qualifiers: DP, RR
2009 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon | Qualifiers: DP
2004 | Range Restricted
Distribution
Endemic. New Zealand: North Island (Kuripapango), South Island (Nelson - Southland except Marlborough and Westland)
Habitat
A species growing on the margins of lakes and tarns and other wet depressions and seepages in drought-prone and dry-climate areas of inland South Island
Features
Herbs, perennial, rhizomatous, glabrous. Stems usually
Similar taxa
Distinguished from Hypericum pusillum by the rhizomatous growth habit, leaves that are grey-green to olive-green and usually ruddy and without sinuate margins, slightly larger flowers, and seeds with distinct longitudinal ridges
Flowering
November–April
Flower colours
Yellow
Fruiting
November–May
Life cycle
Seeds are wind and water dispersed (Thorsen et al., 2009).
Propagation technique
Easy. Best grown in a small pot kept partially submerged in water. An attractive plant on account of the grey-green, reddish leaves and bright yellow flowers.
Threats
Although confined to a very specific habitat, at present there is no evidence to suggest that this species is threatened. However, the habitat that it occupies is under considerable pressure throughout much of its range because of water abstraction for dairy farms and residential developments. This species may prove to be threatened in the next few years. More survey and monitoring of known populations is needed. Previously regarded (as Hypericum aff, japonicum (b) (CHR 140620; “tarn”)) as Range Restricted in de Lange et al., 2004, Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand, New Zealand Journal of Botany 42: 45-76.
Etymology
hypericum: From the Greek hyper (above) and eikon (picture), the plant was hung above pictures to ward off evil spirits
Where To Buy
Not Commercially Available
Attribution
Fact Sheet prepared for the NZPCN by P.J. de Lange (1 July 2008). Description from Heenan (2008)
References and further reading
Heenan, P.B. 2008: Three newly recognised species of Hypericum (Clusiaceae) from New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany 46: 547-558.
Thorsen, M. J.; Dickinson, K. J. M.; Seddon, P. J. 2009. Seed dispersal systems in the New Zealand flora. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 11: 285-309
NZPCN Fact Sheet citation
Please cite as: de Lange, P.J. (Year at time of access): Hypericum rubicundulum Fact Sheet (content continuously updated). New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/hypericum-rubicundulum/ (Date website was queried)