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УДК 635.9:582.684.1(510)
ORNAMENTAL HYPERICUM IN CHINA
Yuanyuan Ji1, Xinbo Zhang1, Yizhou Wang1, Hang Shu1, Binsheng Luo1, Chunlin
Long1' 2
1College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
E-mail: 18363591863@163.com 2Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
E-mail: long@mail.kib.ac.cn
There are 55 species and 8 subspecies of Hypericum native to China. In addition to ornamental value, other indigenous uses are documented when we conducted the ethnobotanical interviews. Some values are not recorded in literatures, such as substitute for tea, and use for oral healthcare. Five native species (H. ascyron, H. choisianum, H. elliptifolium, H. kouytcheouense, and H. stellatum) are recommended based on their higher ornamental values. Some suggestions on their protection and development are proposed.
Key words: Hypericum; ornamental plant; development and utilization; China.
Introduction
The genus Hypericum comprises 484 species worldwide, occurring in a wide range of habitats from tropic to temperate, and exhibit a diversity of habit forms ranging from slender herb to large shrubs [1]. They extensively distribute in Europe, Asia, North of Africa and North of American. There are 55 species and 8 varieties in China, almost distributed all over the country and mainly in the Southwest [2]. Most species have been used for the treatment of trauma, burns, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, neuralgia, gastroenteritis, and hysteria. It also shows antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-HIV and analgesic activities. In the past decade, various types of compounds have been isolated, included terpenoids, naphtodianthrones, xanthones, flavonoids, prenylated acyphloroglucinols [3]. Except the medicinal values, the Hypericum plants also have great horticulture and ornamental values. Due to golden yellow polyandrous flowers, graceful shape, cute foliage and fruits, many species are wildly introduction, cultivation and applied in horticulture. In Portugal, H. monogynum is used as green belt in downtown. In Japan, Hypericum species are applied in hedge, urban greenbelt system and flowers bed. In Israel, H. monogymum is cultivated in a large scale. In England, as the ornamental fruiting plants, Hypericum are wildly used in flower arrangement. Some China-originated Hypericum species are cultivated in England, such as H. forrestii, H. kouytchense, H. uralum, H. choisianum, H. pseudohenryi, and H. beanii. Zhao reported that most of the horticultural Hypericum species in the world are shrubs originated from China and Africa [4].
Objects and research methods
China is rich in Hypericum. Thirty-two species are endemic to China. It is worth studying and utilizing the resources for horticultural and garden uses. In this study, field botanical observations and ethnobotanical interviews had been conducted. Hypericum specimens and data were examined. The biological and ecological characteristics were analyzed so as to evaluate and discover the potential ornamental species of Hypericum native to China.
Study Area and ethnic people
Based on the literature researches and herbarium data, Southwest China was regarded as the diversity center of Hypericum. Yuannan and Guizhou are two provinces in Southwest China with most Hypericum species. There are 27 species and 4 subspecies of Hypericum in
Yunnan, 19 species and 1 subspecies in Guizhou. Yunnan
Yunnan is located in the far southwest of China. Seven types of climate are appeared from the south to the north. With large daily temperature difference and small year temperature difference, illumination and rainfall are adequate [5]. Yunnan also has complex terrain, with 94% of mountainous lands and hills, while the rests are mainly river valleys and small basins. The distinctive climate and geography result in unusual full spectrum of species and vegetation types. There are 25 ethnic groups living in Yunnan. The local people have developed diverse plant culture, especially the flower culture. Guizhou
Guizhou is a mountainous region with subtropical monsoon climate type [6]. The humidity and temperature condition resulted in rich flora. It is considered as a natural plant germplasm resource center including ornamental plants. About 300 species of rare ornamental plants had been discovered, in which more than 120 plants belonged to rare and endangered species. There are some national forest parks and nature reserves with complex topography and abundant plant resources. We investigated several nature reserves including Leigongshan, Fanjingshan, Laoshechong and Yuntaishan, in addition to dozens of counties in 4 prefectures. In Guizhou, there are 18 native nationalities, of which Miao, Dong and Buyi are the largest ethnic groups in population. With colorful ethnic cultures, the local people have unique aesthetic opinion about ornamental plants. Literature Researches
The literature study covered the Flora of China, Flora of Yunnan, Flora of Guizhou, chorography, and ethnography. The geography, climate, vegetation, natural environment, socio-economy and traditional culture were analyzed. Meanwhile, the existing literatures related to Hypericum including morphological characteristics, habitat, distribution, geographical location, the current utilization of Hypericum have been collected and analyzed before field surveys. Field Surveys
Field surveys were carried out between December 2014 and December 2017 using ethnobotanical methods including participatory rural appraisal, semi-structured interviews, market surveys, and key informant interviews. In total 30 villages and national forest parks, natural reserve (Leigongshan National Forest Park, Fanjingshan National Natural Reserve, Laoshechong natural reserve), several local markets were investigated. More than 50 informants were interviewed, from 20 to72 years old. The distribution of Hypericum, habitat, ornamental use, medicinal value and other values in local were acquired. Eight Hypericum species (H. beanii, H. bellum, H. japonicum, H. monogynum, H. patulum, H. sampsonii, H. henryi, and H. stellatum) were collected from different habitats with the permission of local administration. Voucher specimens were collected, identified and deposited in the Herbarium at the College of Life and Environmental Sciences of Minzu University of China, and the Kunming Institute of Botany.
Results and discussion 1. Ornamental characteristics of Hypericum in China
Based on our study, a total 29 species have been applied in ornamental horticulture and gardening in China. The flowering period of Hypericum, types, ornamental characteristics, ornamental part, and landscape utility were recorded based on the literature studies and field investigations (Table 1). In field investigations, we found that the Hypericum species concentrate to distribute in southwest region, including Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and SE Tibet. The habitat and climate diversity contributed to the species diversity and large resource stocks. In ornamental horticulture, the shrub type (19 species) used more often than herbaceous type (10 species) because the shrub type have stronger adaptability to the
environment. Ornamental characteristic concentrated in the flower, stamens, plant gesture and their fruits, are widely applied in flower bed, green fence, flower border, cutting flower, ground cover. Horticulturists make full use of its aesthetic and ecological value. At present, H. patulum and H. monogynum are two species widely used in horticulture, applied in flower bed, flower border, and cutting flower, and flower arrangement. Considering the function of ecological remediation, the H. lagarocladum and H. kouytcheouense are planted in Guizhou (mountainous area, with fragile karst landscape, rocky desertification) highway greenbelt to enhance landscape and for erosion control of water and soil.
2. Other traditional uses of Hypericum in China
Except the ornamental value, other local uses are also recorded when we conducted the ethnobotanical interviews. In Yunnan, the local people use Hypericum species as the substitute for tea. They collected the root, leaves and stem of H. ascyron to make a decoction for treatment of heatstroke, which is also useful to livestock. Hypericum species have been also applied for the treatment of oral diseases, such as stomatitis, aphtha, and toothache. In Yunnan and Guizhou, Hypericum are widely used to treat hepatitis with significantly effectively. They collect the roots to make a decoction.
The wild resource harvest without limitation, it is not good for sustainable utilization of Hypericum. During the flowering phase, H. beanni and H. patulum abundant in pollen, are good nectariferous plant. As the indicator of the phenology, H. beanni guide local people's farming activities.
3. Evaluation and selection of potential ornamental species
Based on the field investigations and literature studies, 5 indigenous species in China are recommended as potential ornamentals.
3.1. H. ascyron
It is widely distributed in Heilongjiang, Northeast China, most in the drippy meadow, riverine marsh, forest edge, sides of hill, the tussock, and roadside. It was fond of wetness and light [7]. Large flower, brightly color, and long flower period make it a good perennial flower. At present, the wild resource research and application has not yet been received extensive attention. It can be developed and utilized for future uses.
3.2. H. choisianum
It is a native species in Tibet and Yunnan. It is a good flowering plant and easy to manage because of simple nursery technique[8], fewer pests and diseases and low management cost. The temperature is a key factor during the course of nursery.
3.3. H. elliptifolium
Distributed in Gongshan, Yunnan, it grows under the evergreen broad-leaf forest [9], in the marshland and riverside. The resource is scanty. Its white flower is rarely seen in Hypericum, and will be a good germplasm resource for breeding.
3.4. H. kouytcheouense
It is widely distributed in the karst topography in Guizhou province [10]. This species can adapt for the harsh environment and can be used for rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems..
3.5. H. stellatum
In Majiang County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou, the bright flower and graceful shape of H. stellatum attract our attention. The local healer told us it is widely used to treat rheumatism, hemorrhoids, gastroenteritis, ulcers, hysteria, and hepatitis. Many Hypericum species show great values in medicinal and ornamental. The seedling propagation and medicinal plant cultivation can be combined for sustainable use of Hypericum.
Table 1
Inventory of Ornamental Hypericum in China
No. Species Blooming time (month) Habit Ornamental characteristics Ornamental parts Garden and landscape uses
1 //. forrestii June to July shrub flower with many stamens, large corymb flower, corolla bedding flower, green fence
2 H. monanthemum July to August perennial herb golden flower flower potted plant
3 H. japonicum March to September perennial herb upright stem, white, light yellow and orange-yellow flower flower stem ground cover potted plant
4 H. addingtonii April to May shrub upright and tawny stem, thick leaves stem leaves green fence
5 H. choisianum June to July shrub brightly golden yellow flower, dense and long filament, the shape of corolla like peach blossom, outstretched branch flower corolla flowering shrub
6 H. attenuatum June to August shrub petals are golden yellow, tinged red in bud flower potted plant
7 H. perforatum May to August perennial herb stoloniferous or sarment , golden flower, dense leaves flower leaves bedding flower border herb
8 H. kouytcheouense June to September shrub opposite leaf, thick papery, red capsule flower, leaves, fruit highway afforestation plant
9 H. ascyron July to August perennial herb upright stem, numerous golden flower flower cut flower, bedding flower
10 H. augustinii September to October shrub red brown branch, numerous stamens flower, branch bedding flower
11 H. patulum May to June shrub graceful branch, leaves brightly green, large and beautiful flower flower, branch and stem potted plant, group plant, flowering shrub
12 H. monogynum May to June shrub clump leaves, brightly flower, thin and long filament, red fruit flower, leaves, fruit group plant, cut flower, potted plant, garden tree
13 H. subsessile August to September shrub long and narrow leaves, cup and stellate flower flower, leaves green fence
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14 H. cohaerens May to July shrub long period of flowering, stellate flower, stretched branch flower bedding flower, potted plant, flower border
15 H. bellum June to August shrub straight and upright stem and branch, large leaves, butter yellow to golden yellow flower, brightly color corolla flower, branch, leaves flowering shrub
16 H. seniawinii July to August perennial herb upright stem, ovoid capsule fruit potted plant
17 H. pseudohenry June to July shrub golden flower and anther, ovoid capsule flower,fruit bedding flower
18 H. uralum July to September shrub obovate and yellow flower, numerous stamens flower green fence
19 H. elodeoides July to September perennial herb cylindrical stem, yellow flower flower cut flower
20 H. przewalskii May to August shrub cylindrical stem, ovoid capsule fruit green fence
21 H. elliptifolium August to September shrub upright stem, numerous stamens, white flower flower bedding flower
22 H. henryi May to July shrub cylindrical stems, golden flower with many stamens, brightly red fruits. stems, flower, fruit bedding flower
23 H. acmosepalum May to July shrub golden and obovate flower flower flowering shrub
24 H. lagarocladum April to May shrub soft and yellow red branch branch highway greenbelt
25 H. erectum June to July perennial herb upright stem, less branch, the base of leaves embrace the stem leaves ground cover
26 H. stellatum June to July shrub cylindrical branch, stellate flower, long and plentiful stamens flower, branch flowering shrub, flowering border, cut flower
27 H. faberi June to July perennial herb stolon, opposite leaves, ovoid capsule leaves ground cover
28 H. sampsonii May to September perennial herb upright stem, leaves concrescent in the base, cute golden flower flower, stem, leaves cut flower
29 H. petiolulatum June to July perennial herb stoloniferous or sarmentose, small and cute yellow flower flower, stem potted plant
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Conclusions
There are abundant wild Hypericum resource in China, particularly in southwest China. Hypericum species have great ornamental and medicinal values, and have widely been used in various ways by local people in Yunnan and Guizhou, such as substitute for tea, indicator of farming calendar, and for vegetation rehabilitation. It is well-known and effective to treat hepatitis. Local people collected the wild resources without restrictions, which resulted in the reduction of wild populations. Based on the filed works, 5 indigenous species in China are recommended as the prior species for development as ornamentals in the future. These species are multi-functional wild plant resources with aesthetic, genetic, medicinal, ecological, and economic values.
As an endemic medicinal plant, phytochemical study on H. stellatum had been conducted to explain its effective treatment of hepatitis. Our future studies should focus on comprehensive and sustainable use of Hypericum species native to China.
Gratitudes
We are grateful to all local people interviewed in Yunnan and Guizhou, leaders and local guides, and those from the Ethnobotanical Lab of Minzu University of China. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31161140345 & 31070288), the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2012FY110300), and the Ministry of Education of China through its 111 and 985 projects for Minzu University of China (B08044, MUC985 & YLDX01013).
References
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Юанюан Йи, Хинбо Жанг, Ижоу Щанг, Ханг Шу, Биншенг Луо, Чунлин Лонг Декоративный Hypericum L. в Китае // Works of the State Nikit. Botan. Gard. - 2017. - V. 145 - P. 132-137.
Имеется 55 видов и 8 подвидов природного Hypericum в Китае. В дополнение к декоративным, другие природные свойства были описаны, когда мы приступили к нашим этно-ботаническим исследованиям. Некоторые ценные свойства не были описаны в литературе, такие как возможная замена чая, или использование в качестве средства по уходу за полостью рта. Пять природных видов (H. ascyron, H. choisianum, H. elliptifolium, H. kouytcheouense, and H. stellatum) рекомендованы к использованию, в основном из-за их декоративных свойств. Предложены рекомендации по защите и развитию растения.
Ключевые слова: Hypericum; декоративное растение; развитие и использование; Китай.
