Distribution of the species
Common species, found in most of Mt. Paggaio, mainly in low and medium altitude areas, up to 1,600 m asl. The Sword grass, or otherwise balsam grass, was associated the healing of wounds from swords. It grows in dry lands, sunny places, abandoned fields, road sides and forest and shrubland clearings.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
Species with a large number of individuals on Mt. Paggaio. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant, with a strong, upright stem, up to 80 cm tall. It is branched towards its apex, having two opposite, angular protruding lines. The leaves are obovate, arranged opposite in pairs, with a few superficial black glands and scattered translucent spots, to which the species owes its name (perforatum = perforated). The yellow with visible black spots flowers, form broad inflorescences at the tops of the branches. A great medicinal plant, with properties known in both Ancient Greece and Rome. The oil of its flowering shoots is prepared by placing them in olive oil and leaving the mixture exposed to the sun for about forty days. The oil will turn deep red over time. It was used as an analgesic in cases of muscle pain, rheumatism and headaches. It is considered suitable for treating menopausal changes that lead to irritability and anxiety. Studies have shown anticancer, antioxidant, antidepressant and antiepileptic effects. Also mentioned fin antiquity was its use in the preparation of ointment that controls the odor of dead bodies; hence mummification is also called embalming.
Due to its relatively wide spread on Mount Paggaio, no particular threats and pressures were observed, which would lead to a significant reduction in its population. Although it is collected for the purpose of making sword oil, its population does not seem to be declining.
Conservation status
Least Concern.
Conservation state
Assigned to the “LC-Least Concern” category by IUCN, which does not necessarily mean that the species is safe or should not be protected. It rather means that the species “is not in immediate extinction risk if the current conditions are maintained”.