108 ST. JOHN'S WORT FAMILY. 



Seeds minute, numerous : on a receptacle in the centre (axis) 

 or on the incurved margins of the valves. Generally opposite 

 leaves, marked with pellucid dots, and having yellow flowers. 

 Aromatic and resinous. 



I. GENUS. 12. ST. JOHN'S WORT. (Hypericum) 



Calyx divided into 5, or of 5 sepals. Petals 5. Filaments 

 united at the base, into 3 or 5 sets, or sometimes almost dis- 

 tinct ; capsules many-seeded. 



PERFORATED ST. JOHN'S WORT. (H. perforatum.) 



Stem two-edged. Leaves oblong, obtuse, with pellucid 

 dots. Sepals erect, lanceolate, acute, or toothed, leaves some- 

 times broadly oblong, or narrow. There are minute black 

 dots on the Calyx, Corolla, and often on the leaves, which 

 distinguish it from the next species.] 



" IMPEBFOBATE ST. JOHN'S WORT," (H. dubium), 

 whose other distinguishing mark is that " the leaves 

 are reticulated beneath, with pellucid veins, and 

 sepals reflexed." Both species have branched stems, 

 1 2 feet high, and numerous yellow flowers in heads, 

 (corymb). 



" Hypericum, all bloom, so thick a swarm, 

 Of flowers like flies, clothing its slender rods, 

 That scarce a leaf appears." 



