Hypericum peplidifolium

Family: Hypericaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. The stems often lie along the ground. It forms tufts. The stems arise from corms or roots that lie parallel to the ground. It grows 10-60 cm high. The leaf blade is 3-26 mm long by 2-17 mm wide. They vary in shape. The flowers are at the end of the stems. The petals are bright yellow or red. The fruit is fleshy and round.

There are about 400 Hypericum species. Also put in the family Clusiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mountain grassland. It is often in wet situations. It grows from 1,100 m to 3,600 m in East Africa. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,100-2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Equatorial-Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mpunune

Synonyms

Hypericum peplidifolium var. robustum Baker f.;