Status:
valid
Authors:
(Miq.) Müll.Arg.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1865
Citation Micro:
Flora 48: 380 (1865)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000272320
Common Names
- Phyllanthus varians
- Variable Phyllanthus
- Variable Spurflower
Synonyms
- Phyllanthus fuscus Müll.Arg. [unknown]
- Diasperus fuscus (Müll.Arg.) Kuntze [unknown]
- Diasperus varians (Miq.) Kuntze [unknown]
- Glochidion fuscum (Müll.Arg.) Boerl. [unknown]
- Glochidion varians Miq. [unknown]
Description
Phyllanthus varians (also called Variable Leaf Flower, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen shrub native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa. It has single, oval-shaped leaves and small, white flowers. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade.
Uses & Benefits
Phyllanthus varians is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Phyllanthus varians is a small, yellowish-green flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, oval-shaped leaves with a yellowish-green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Phyllanthus varians is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost.
Where to Find Phyllanthus varians
Phyllanthus varians is native to tropical America, including Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It can be found in moist forests, along streams, and in other wet areas.
Phyllanthus varians FAQ
What are the common names for Phyllanthus varians?
Indian gooseberry, Indian ginseng, and bhumi amla
What is the native range of Phyllanthus varians?
India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
What is the optimal growing environment for Phyllanthus varians?
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and moderate temperatures
Species in the Phyllanthus genus
Species in the Phyllanthaceae family
Actephila alanbakeri,
Actephila saccata,
Actephila albidula,
Actephila anthelminthica,
Actephila aurantiaca,
Actephila collinsiae,
Actephila daii,
Actephila dolichopoda,
Actephila excelsa,
Actephila foetida,
Actephila grandifolia,
Actephila latifolia,
Actephila lindleyi,
Actephila longipedicellata,
Actephila macrantha,
Actephila mearsii,
Actephila merrilliana,
Actephila mooreana,
Actephila nitidula,
Actephila ovalis,
Actephila petiolaris,
Actephila pierrei,
Actephila platysepala,
Actephila puberula,
Actephila sessilifolia,
Actephila subsessilis,
Actephila trichogyna,
Actephila bella,
Actephila championiae,
Actephila flavescens,
Actephila plicata,
Actephila traceyi,
Actephila venusta,
Actephila vernicosa,
Actephila forsteri,
Amanoa almerindae,
Amanoa anomala,
Amanoa bracteosa,
Amanoa caribaea,
Amanoa congesta,
Amanoa cupatensis,
Amanoa glaucophylla,
Amanoa gracillima,
Amanoa guianensis,
Amanoa muricata,
Amanoa nanayensis,
Amanoa neglecta,
Amanoa oblongifolia,
Amanoa sinuosa,
Amanoa steyermarkii,