Hypericaceae

Hypericaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the St. John's wort family. Historically, this family was often included within the Guttiferae (Clusiaceae) family, but modern classification systems typically recognize it as a distinct and separate family. The family contains approximately 500 species distributed across about 40 genera. These plants are found in diverse habitats worldwide, with a concentration in temperate and tropical regions.

The most well-known member of Hypericaceae is Hypericum perforatum, commonly called St. John's wort. This species has a long history of medicinal use, particularly for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Extracts from Hypericum perforatum are widely available as dietary supplements and herbal remedies. Other genera within the family include Hypericum, Triadenum, and Vismia, each with their own unique characteristics and geographical distributions.

Morphologically, members of Hypericaceae are typically herbaceous or shrubby. Their leaves are often simple and arranged oppositely, frequently exhibiting translucent dots or streaks when held up to the light, a characteristic that has given rise to the scientific name Hypericum, derived from Greek meaning "over the heath." The flowers are usually yellow and possess five petals, often with black dots or glands on the margins or surfaces. The fruit is typically a capsule. Research into the chemical compounds found in Hypericaceae species continues to uncover a variety of bioactive substances with potential pharmacological applications.