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Description
Phyllanthus Salviifolius, commonly known as the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus, is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. The plant can grow up to 2 meters in height and has woody stems with small leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers of the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus are small and yellow-green in color, and appear in clusters at the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus | Phyllanthus |
Appearance
The Sage-leaved Phyllanthus has a unique appearance that makes it an attractive addition to any garden. The plant has small, light green leaves that are shaped like elongated ovals and have a slightly serrated edge. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are about 1-2cm in length. The small yellow-green flowers of the plant appear in clusters at the axils of the leaves, and are about 2-3mm in diameter. The fruit of the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus is a small, round capsule that contains seeds. The woody stem of the plant is light brown in color and can grow up to 2 meters in height.
Care Guide
The Sage-leaved Phyllanthus is a relatively easy plant to care for and maintain. It requires moderate watering and should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. The plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil and should be planted in a location that receives full to partial sunlight. The Sage-leaved Phyllanthus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sage-leaved Phyllanthus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by spider mites or scale insects. These can be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The Sage-leaved Phyllanthus is native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, and is commonly found growing in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus a flowering plant?
A: Yes, the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus produces small yellow-green flowers that appear in clusters at the axils of the leaves.
Q: What kind of soil does the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus prefer?
A: The Sage-leaved Phyllanthus prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Q: Is the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus a frost-tolerant plant?
A: No, the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Sage-leaved Phyllanthus?
A: The Sage-leaved Phyllanthus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Phyllanthus amarus
- Phyllanthus emblica
- Phyllanthus maderaspatensis
- Phyllanthus urinaria
References
- “Phyllanthus Salviifolius.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279737&isprofile=0&basic=phyllanthus%20salviifolius.
- “Phyllanthus Salviifolius.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 4, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/phyllanthus-salviifolius.
- “Phyllanthus Salviifolius.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed August 4, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=155080.
