Brathys (Mutis ex L. fil.) Choisy

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1981, Flora Europaea. Volume 2. Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, Cambridge University Press : 269

Sect. Brathys (Mutis ex L. fil.) Choisy . Glabrous, perennial or annual herbs. Black glands absent. Stem 4-lined. Flowers in pyramidal to corymbose cymes. Petals and stamens persistent. Stamens reduced to 5, or in 5 indefinite fascicles or groups. Styles (2-)3-5. Capsule with longitudinal vittae. Seeds longitudinally ribbed and with transverse striations.

The above description applies to subsect. Spachium R. Keller, which alone is represented in Europe.

Five North American species of this subsection have been found in Europe since 1834. All grow in damp places, and some have been recorded in areas previously well known to botanists. Their seeds are small, as in other species of Hypericum , and it appears probable that they have been introduced relatively recently from North America by wading birds or among agricultural seeds or fodder. See H. Heine, Bauhinial’. 71-78 (1962).