Plant search results - Phyllanthus

Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus emblica

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Small to medium in size tree. The leaves are lacy, giving the tree a delicate look. Amla fruit paste is a major ingredient of Chavyanprash, a popular Ayurvedic tonic. Amla is known as amritphala in Sanskrit, which literally means the fruit of heaven or nectar fruit. It is so called because it is rich in many desirable properties. It was described in a 7th century Ayurvedic medical text. According to several scholars, the sage Chyawan is reputed to have restored his vitality with this fruit. The fruit is Aperient, Carminative, Diuretic, Aphrodasiac, Laxative, Astringent and Refrigerant; is useful in anaemia, jaundice, dyspepcia, haemorrhage disorders, diabetes, asthama and bronchitis. It cures insomnia and is healthy for hair. It is the richest known source of vitamin C. The fruit tastes bitter, but if you drink water after eating it, the water tastes sweet.

Epiphyllum hookeri, Epiphyllum strictum, Epiphyllum stenopetalum, Epiphyllum phyllanthus

Epiphyllum hookeri is a small shrub native to Central America. It is an epiphytic cactus, meaning its stems cling to other plants for support and can grow as tall as 20 feet. The plant produces large, white or off-white flowers that measure about 8 inches wide and open at night. Additionally, the stigma of the flower has a bright red color with a yellow, star-shaped tip.

Epiphyllum hookeri can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11, given the right treatment and conditions. The ideal location is in semi-shade and with moist, not overly wet soil. During the growing season, some additional water may be necessary. For indoor care, the plant should be placed in a bright, light spot but kept away from direct sunlight. The soil should be watered regularly, but not allowed to dry out completely.

In regions with colder winters, Epiphyllum hookeri should be protected from frosty temperatures. Outdoor plants can be moved into an area such as a greenhouse or protected with an insulating layer of mulch. When grown in a container, the pot should be placed in an area with indirect sunlight and protected from temperatures below 50F. Water the plant whenever the soil begins to dry, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the springtime. During its dormant period in winter, reduce watering, misting and fertilizing.

Epiphyllum hookeri is also well-suited for terrariums, as long as it receives semi-shady, humid conditions and regularly misted, mimicking its natural habitat. With proper winter protection, the plant can survive for many years in colder climates.

Glochidion macrocarpum, Phyllanthus macrocarpus

Phyllanthus acidus, Phyllanthus distichus

Small tropical tree, to 20 feet, leaves are compound with numerous pinnate leaflets. Fruits are borne in loose clusters, which hang from the tree trunk and main branches. Individual fruits are up to 0.75 inch in diameter, near globose and angled. Fruits are generally too tart for fresh eating but are esteemed for jellies, preserves and pastries. They ripen in midsummer. There are no commercial plantings; but trees are in home gardens, and fruit is harvested from naturalized trees.

Phyllanthus acidus is called Ari Nelli in Tamil, and the Phyllanthus emblica (Amlaki) is Muzhu Nelli in Tamil. Muzhu Nelli is even richer in Vitamin C etc.

Phyllanthus angustifolius

This plant is native of India, thrives best in full sun and semi-shade with moderate water. It blooms all year round and bears bunch of beautiful flowers in various colors, like pink, white, off-white and yellow or orange. As expected of Indian natives, it is quite hardy and can be grown in USDA zone 9-11.

The ideal soil for Phyllanthus angustifolius is well-drained soil; preferably sandy loam or clay loam, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. If planted in hot and dry areas, the plant will require regular watering, otherwise it is drought resistant and requires very minimum water once established. It should be fertilized with an all purpose fertilizer, once every two months during the growing season.

In cold regions, this plant should be grown in pots. It should be kept indoors during the winter months, and placed in bright, direct light indoors. It should be watered very moderately, and should be kept moist, but not wet. This plant prefers cool and humid environments, so the pot should be misted regularly. The pot should be kept outside in the summer, in a spot where it can receive full sun or semi-shade, as needed.

Overall, with minimum care and maintenance, this Phyllanthus angustifolius can make a great addition to any garden or home. It bears beautiful, colorful flowers all year round, and with pruning, it can be kept small and be grown indoors.

Phyllanthus arbuscula

Phyllanthus latifolius

Phyllanthus mirabilis, Phyllanthodendron mirabilis

Phyllanthus mirabilis or Dragon Wings has a unique foliage with rough edges and a little bit irritating. If planted in the ground, the trunk can grow up to 2-3 ft in diameter, and reach a height of 20-25 ft. If grown in pot, the plant will only get about 2-5 ft in height. It can be used as a lovely ornamental and a bonsai plant. The leaves will fold together at night like a butterfly wings. If you live in a cold region, you need to bring the pot indoors during winter. Despite it's native region, mature plants have been reported to survive temperatures as low as 30s F, although it's only for a short time. Phyllanthus mirabilis grows best in USDA Zone 9-11.

For pot growing, it needs well-drained soil, slightly acidic soil and regular water. Reduce watering in winter, but keep it moist. Plant in full sun, semi-shade or shade, with some morning or afternoon sun. Do not let the soil dry out. As a bonsai, you can use a fertilizer every two weeks. Pruning is also important for keeping it in shape. Prune back branches to your desired shape, and trim roots at least once a year to prevent it from becoming root-bound. If you live in a cold region, protect your plant from frost in winter. Move the pot to an area with temperature higher than 40sF. 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.

Phyllanthus pectinatus, Emblica pectinata

Phyllanthus pectinatus is similar to Phyllanthus emblica but differences are obvious when specimens of the two species are placed side by side for comparison. In Phyllanthus emblica, the fruits are clustered at the base of rather robust leafy shoots whereas in Phyllanthus pectinatus they sway in the wind at the ends of the finely feathery leafy shoots.

Phyllanthus pulcher

Grown in USDA Zone 9-11, Phyllanthus pulcher, this large shrub from Thailand, is best grown in full sun or semi-shade, in a moist but well-drained and humus-rich soil. It requires regular watering and, with its many ethnomedical properties and potential in cancer treatment research, is a plant commonly utilized for its medicinal and food properties.

Phyllanthus pulcher has simple leaves which grow in alternate flat sprays that imitate pinnate leaves. The flower show many colors ranging from white, off-white, and pink, to red and crimson to vinous. The flowers bloom all year round and are borne in the axils of the small leaves, which confirms they are indeed leaves and not leaflets.

In general, Phyllanthus pulcher requires minimal care, but in cold regions, the plant should be kept in a pot to prevent damage from frost. During the winter months, avoid over-watering, as this could be fatal to the shrub. If kept in a pot, make sure to use large enough pot to allow for growth and repotting every two years.

For those located in colder climates, Phyllanthus pulcher can be grown in a greenhouse or home all year round, with consistent maintenance and protection from the elements in winter. In this case, fertilizer should be applied every month and watering should be increased. To ensure healthy growth, ensure that the soil is not left to dry and pay close attention to the flower, which should be given special care to ensure bloom.