Hypericum perforatum grows across temperate areas of Eurasia. It has been introduced as an invasive weed to much of the Americas, South Africa and Australia.

This plant has been used in folk medicine for centuries, and remains commercially cultivated in the 21st century. It helps skin to heal. A common (and very effective) cure for sunburn is a lotion made by soaking the flowers in olive oil in a clear-glass bottle the sun during summer. When the oil turns blood-red it can be applied to sunburned skin. The sunburn turns to a tan in a few days. However it is vitally important not to expose skin oiled with this lotion to the sun, as some constituents are phototoxic.

Source of genotype: Gabrovka village, Slovenia