Hypericum marahuacanum subsp. strictissimum (Nomenclature)
Branches strict to very strict, some paired and pseudo-dichotomous or all lateral. Leaves twisting slightly or not, markedly tetrastichous; lamina 5-11 x 0.5-0.8 mm, with glands relatively few, mostly obscure. Inflorescence branches short, lateral, from up to c. 6 nodes below, sometimes with pseudo-dichotomous branches from uppermost node; pedicel c. 2 mm long. Flowers c. 10-12 mm in diam. Sepals 4-6 x 0.7-1.5 mm, narrowly lanceolate, veins (3)5. Petals 7-9 x 3-4 mm, c. 1.7 x sepals, obovate (?). Stamens c. 40, longest c. 3-4 mm long, c. 0.45 x petals. Ovary 1.2-1.5 x 1 mm, ellipsoid-subglobose; styles 2.5-3 mm long, c. 2 x ovary, suberect; stigmas scarcely enlarged. Capsule 4x2.5 mm, ovoid, acute, shorter than sepals.
Paramo and subparamo, in dry stony places; 2700-3250 m.
Colombia (Boyacá), Venezuela (Mérida).
Subsp. strictissimum, which comprises two geographically distinct populations, differs from subsp. marahuacanum in having narrower leaves, smaller flowers which terminate lateral branches as well as main ones, and shorter styles. When well developed (as in the type collection), the strict lateral branches gives subsp. strictissimum the appearance of some species of Erica.