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St. John's Wort and Calendula
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Posted by velvetinenut (My Page) on Wed, Feb 25, 04 at 2:06
| Hi, I'm new here (from Singapore) and would like to know if I am able to get the seeds of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Calendula (Calendula officinalis). I understand that St. John's Wort is classified as a weed Down Under but I hope to grow some in Singapore for its medicinal properties. I have been trying for some time but no one has gotten back to me on them so I'm hoping to be able to get somewhere in this forum.
Looking forward to hearing from you! TIA. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: St. John's Wort and Calendula
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Hi,
Try this website, they will have what you are looking for. I have bought seeds from them before and am happy with the service.
Dave. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Austral Herbs
RE: St. John's Wort and Calendula
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| St Johns Wort is a terrible weed in bushland around Adelaide, hence it would be easy to find some seed here...just be careful if you decide to plant it in Singapore, be very aware of its weedy potential. Personally, I don't think its worth the risk and would advise strongly against growing this plant. respectfully, mudlark |
native St Johns wort
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| Oops, I should also have mentioned that there are native St Johns wort too. The natives in my region are Hypericum gramineum and H. japonicum. The weed is Hypericum perforatum. I mention this because the plants can look very similar depending on where they are growing (especially with young plants that aren't flowering!), I would hate someone to come across my last post and start pulling natives out wherever they see them thinking they were weeds!! I don't know if the natives have the same 'medicinal' properties but if anyone out there does, I would be interested in hearing about it, though I have heard that it is a plant to use with quite a lot of caution. cheers, mudlark |
RE: St. John's Wort and Calendula
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| St. Johns wort growing in Adelaide has historical significance and should be protected. It was bought here as a medicinal plant by early settlers. It does no harm. |
RE: St. John's Wort and Calendula
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| It is interesting that you should say that it "does no harm" so categorically, in my opinion and based on my own observations and experience this statement is simply not true. This plant is quite rampant and displaces native vegetation, particularly smaller herbaceous plants, including the native St Johns wort, considerable money and effort is already being expended trying to remove it from areas of remnant native vegetation. Jamus ALL plants imported into Australia have some historical significance, I don't see how this defence could be used to justify there protection. I feel it is particularly sad that this introduced plant should be promoted at the expense of a native plant that no ones seems to have researched to see if it may have similar 'medicinal' properties. I wonder if we will ever learn from the past....when we waited for the rest of the world to realise the value of the native macadamia nut, before we took an interest ourselves. respectfully, mudlark |
further info on st johns wort
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| Anyone interested in the learning about the weedy potential of this plant may wish to visit this website: www.weeds.crc.org.au and do a search on "St Johns Wort", there is a PDF that can be downloaded called: "St Johns Wort: best practice management guide for environmental weeds". This plant is declared noxious in parts of Tasmania, Victoria, WA and NSW, which means its sale is prohibited in those areas. Broadly speaking, this plant is weedy in most parts of South Eastern Australia where the climate could be considered mediteranean. Here is an excerpt from the PDF, it is worth noting that the ecosystems most at risk (ie grassy woodlands) are already some of the most vulnerable ecosystems in Australia with less than 5% remaining, they are home to some of Australias rarest plants: "Species and ecosystems at risk: St Johnís wort is
considered a threat to indigenous plants on private
property, in national parks, state forests and other
reserves. Understoreys of open Eucalyptus and Callitris
woodlands in natural ecosystems are particularly at risk.
Economic impact: St Johnís wort is a major weed of
pastures because of its toxicity to stock and its ability to
compete with desirable pasture species. However, 80% of
current infestations occur in areas of indigenous vegetation,
particularly open Eucalyptus woodlands. St Johnís wort is
a common weed of water catchment and conservation
areas and therefore poses a threat to natural ecosystems.
The economic impacts have not been calculated." To those who are considering cultivating this plant, please consider the broader environmental impacts that decision may have! respectfully, mudlark |
RE: St. John's Wort and Calendula
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Davez104: Thank you for the recommendation. Will look it up.
Mudlark and Jamus: Thank you both for your input. Both of you have your own point of looking at the matter. I agree that it is medically beneficial and I also agree that it is a weed that is to be dealt with. Thanks again. I also apologise for checking my post only now. Things got a little busy around here. :-P |
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