Phyllanthus mirabilis is endemic to Thailand. It is the only Phyllanthus to be caudiciform. The leaves fold together at night. In habitat this plant grows in rich peat and gets a lot of water in the rain-season. At night the leaves fold together in pairs like butterfly wings. It will keep its leaves during the winter, but loose them in spring during dormancy period, leaving a thick showy caudex. Re-leafs around June. It is a nice bonsai plant that requires minimum care and tolerates wide range of conditions. You can grow it in full sun, or in a shade garden. It doesn't mind minimal watering, but will grow faster with daily watering.
If planted in the ground, the trunk can grow up to 2-3 ft in diameter, and reach a high of 20-25 ft.
Similar plants: