- Hypericum androsaemum
Taxobox
image_caption = "Hypericum androsaemum", tutsan
regnum =Plant ae
divisio =Magnoliophyta
classis =Magnoliopsida
ordo =Malpighiales
familia =Clusiaceae
genus = "Hypericum "
species = "H. androsaemum"
binomial = "Hypericum androsaemum"
binomial_authority =Linnaeus "Hypericum androsaemum", commonly known as tutsan, is a plant in the genus "
Hypericum " native to open woods and hillsides in Eurasia. It is a perennial shrub reaching up to 1.5 m in height.Common name
The common name tutsan appears to be a corruption of "toute saine" literally meaning all-healthy. This is probably in reference to its healing properties. Nicholas Culpeper, in his 1653 publication "Culpeper's Complete Herbal", says "Tutsan purgeth choleric humours ... both to cure sciatica and gout, and to heal burnings by fire." It will also stop bleeding and heal wounds and sores. Apparently it works just as well if it swallowed or used as a salve or ointment. [http://www.bibliomania.com/2/1/66/113/frameset.html]
Invasive plant
In
New Zealand tutsan was recognised as a pasture weed as early as 1955.Biological control methods were investigated about 60 years ago. In 2008Landcare Research will begin investigating the feasibility of a biological control.It is also a declared species in
Western Australia [http://agspsrv95.agric.wa.gov.au/dps/version02/01_plantview.asp?page=9&contentID=72&] .Reference List
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
