Hypericum calycinum (Saint John's Wort)

Native to many regions worldwide, this genus includes annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees. Most have yellow flowers with five petals and numerous prominent stamens. Shrubby garden varieties provide groundcover or informal hedges, and some produce colorful fruits used in flower arrangements. Most prefer sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Some members are invasive: St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) competes with pasture plants in New South Wales, Australia, and can poison livestock. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.