Contents
Description
Phyllanthus Amarus is a tropical plant that is commonly found in the rainforests of South America, Asia, and Africa. It is also known as the stone breaker or chanca piedra, which means “stone breaker” in Spanish. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including kidney stones, liver problems, and digestive issues.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus | Phyllanthus |
Appearance
Phyllanthus Amarus is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 16 inches tall. It has small, green leaves that are arranged in an alternating pattern along the stem. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are less than a quarter of an inch in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a small, red or yellow capsule that contains several seeds. The plant has a bitter taste and a pungent odor.
Care Guide
Phyllanthus Amarus is an easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice among gardeners. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
Water
Phyllanthus Amarus likes to be kept moist but not wet. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Phyllanthus Amarus does not require a lot of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
Phyllanthus Amarus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that is 50% peat moss and 50% perlite or vermiculite works well.
Sunlight
Phyllanthus Amarus likes bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to burn.
Hardiness Zones
Phyllanthus Amarus is a tropical plant and is not cold hardy. It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and above.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phyllanthus Amarus is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
Diseases
- Root rot
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
Habitat
Phyllanthus Amarus is native to South America, Asia, and Africa. It grows in tropical rainforests and other areas with high humidity. The plant can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and agricultural fields.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of Phyllanthus Amarus?
A: Phyllanthus Amarus has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including kidney stones, liver problems, and digestive issues. It has also been found to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Q: Can Phyllanthus Amarus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Phyllanthus Amarus can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect sunlight and a well-draining soil mix.
Q: How often should Phyllanthus Amarus be fertilized?
A: Phyllanthus Amarus does not require a lot of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What hardiness zones can Phyllanthus Amarus be grown in?
A: Phyllanthus Amarus is a tropical plant and is not cold hardy. It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and above.
Related Plants
- Phyllanthus Niruri
- Phyllanthus Emblica
- Phyllanthus Acidus
- Phyllanthus Mirabilis
References
- “Phyllanthus amarus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282810. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
- “Phyllanthus amarus.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:309764-2. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
- “Phyllanthus amarus.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-151226. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
