Status:
valid
                
                
                    
Authors:
Leandri
                
                
                    
Source:
tro
                
                
                    
Year:
1950
                
                
                    
Citation Micro:
Ann. Mus. Colon. Marseille , sér. 6, 7-8: 68 (1950)
                
                
                    
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001143395
                
             
            
            
                
                
                
            
            
            
                                    
                        Common Names
                        
                        - Phenax Madagascariensis
 - Madagascariensis Phenax
 - Madagascariensis Urticaceae
                         
                     
                                
                
                    
                    
                    
                
                
                
                
                                                    
                        Description
                        
                            Phenax madagascariensis (also called Madagascar Phenax, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. It is a small shrub that grows up to 1.5 m tall and is native to Madagascar. It is found in dry deciduous forests, dry spiny forests, and dry grasslands.                        
                     
                                
                                    
                        Uses & Benefits
                        
                            Phenax madagascariensis is used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and its ability to tolerate low light conditions. It is also known for its air-purifying properties, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.                        
                     
                                
                                                    
                        Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
                        
                            The flowers of Phenax madagascariensis are small and white, with four petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have small, oval-shaped leaves.                        
                     
                                
                
                
                                    
                        Cultivation and Propagation
                        
                            Phenax madagascariensis can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a moist, well-drained soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted in a moist, well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and provide bright, indirect light.                        
                     
                                                    
                        Where to Find Phenax madagascariensis
                        
                            Phenax madagascariensis is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Madagascar. It can be found in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas.                        
                     
                
                
                                    
                        Species in the Phenax genus
                        
                            Phenax uliginosus, 
Phenax asper, 
Phenax sonneratii, 
Phenax sessilifolius, 
Phenax poiretii, 
Phenax rugosus, 
Phenax haitensis, 
Phenax microcarpus, 
Phenax hirtus, 
Phenax laevis, 
Phenax mexicanus, 
Phenax microphyllus, 
Phenax pauciflorus, 
Phenax ekmanii, 
Phenax erectus, 
Phenax granulatus, 
Phenax laevigatus, 
Phenax laxiflorus, 
Phenax madagascariensis, 
Phenax perrieri, 
Phenax angustifolius, 
Phenax integrifolius, 
Phenax weddellianus, 
Phenax bullatus, 
Phenax flavifolius, 
Phenax globulifer, 
Phenax pauciserratus, 
Phenax grossecrenatum, 
Phenax hirtus,                         
 
                     
                                                    
                        Species in the Urticaceae family
                        
                            Archiboehmeria atrata, 
Astrothalamus reticulatus, 
Australina flaccida, 
Australina pusilla, 
Australina pusilla, 
Boehmeria aspera, 
Boehmeria balslevii, 
Boehmeria beyeri, 
Boehmeria brevirostris, 
Boehmeria bullata, 
Boehmeria burgeriana, 
Boehmeria caudata, 
Boehmeria celtidifolia, 
Boehmeria clidemioides, 
Boehmeria conica, 
Boehmeria cylindrica, 
Boehmeria densiflora, 
Boehmeria depauperata, 
Boehmeria didymogyne, 
Boehmeria dura, 
Boehmeria egregia, 
Boehmeria excelsa, 
Boehmeria grandis, 
Boehmeria hamiltoniana, 
Boehmeria helferi, 
Boehmeria heterophylla, 
Boehmeria holosericea, 
Boehmeria japonica, 
Boehmeria kiusiana, 
Boehmeria kurzii, 
Boehmeria lanceolata, 
Boehmeria martii, 
Boehmeria multiflora, 
Boehmeria nakashimae, 
Boehmeria nivea, 
Boehmeria ourantha, 
Boehmeria pavonii, 
Boehmeria penduliflora, 
Boehmeria pilosiuscula, 
Boehmeria platanifolia, 
Boehmeria polystachya, 
Boehmeria radiata, 
Boehmeria ramiflora, 
Boehmeria repens, 
Boehmeria rugosissima, 
Boehmeria siamensis, 
Boehmeria sieboldiana, 
Boehmeria spicigera, 
Boehmeria splitgerbera, 
Boehmeria ternifolia,