Family: Phyllanthaceae
Author: Roxb.
Bibliography: Fl. Ind. ed. 1832. 3: 668 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Phyllanthus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Tanzania to Mozambique, SW. Arabian Pen., W. Indian Ocean
Description
The Long-stalk leaf-flower, scientifically known as Phyllanthus tenellus, is a notable species within the family Phyllanthaceae. First described in the early 19th century, this particular plant has been a subject of interest since its detailed bibliographic account was published in 1832.
Phyllanthus tenellus thrives naturally across a diverse range of geographical locations, from the verdant landscapes of Tanzania to the coastal regions of Mozambique. It also extends its presence into the southwestern parts of the Arabian Peninsula and across the Western Indian Ocean’s islands. This broad habitat range is a testament to the plant’s adaptability and resilience in various climatic conditions.
Botanically, Phyllanthus tenellus is part of the extensive Phyllanthaceae family, known for its varied species that often exhibit unique physical and ecological traits. The long stalks are a distinguishing feature, contributing to its common name, and are an adaptation that may support its growth in different environmental conditions.
This species was first catalogued by the botanist Roxburgh, whose work in the 1800s laid the groundwork for future studies. His detailed description in “Flora Indica” cemented the plant’s place in botanical literature, making it a reference point for subsequent research and conservation efforts.
In summary, the Long-stalk leaf-flower (Phyllanthus tenellus) represents a fascinating study in plant adaptability and geographical distribution, embodying the diverse characteristics of the Phyllanthaceae family. Its historical classification and wide-ranging habitats continue to pique the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: mascarene island leaf-flower, lagoon-spurge, long-stalk leaf-flower, long-stalk phyllanthus
Spa: quebra-pedra
En: Long-stalk leaf-flower, Long-stalk phyllanthus, Mascarene Island leaf-flower, Lagoon-spurge, Mascarene Island leafflower, Maricao
Zh: 五蕊油柑
Fi: Sirolaipikka
Fr: Phyllanthe délicat, Petit tamarin
Pt: Quebra pedra
Es: Quebra-pedra
Zh-tw: 五蕊油柑
Synonyms
- Diasperus tenellus ((Roxb.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Comoros (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Mauritius (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Réunion (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Angola (introduced)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Brazil North (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Cape Verde (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Cayman Is. (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Iran (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Marquesas (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Nansei-shoto (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- New Guinea (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Northern Territory (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Tuamotu (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
- Vanuatu (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Sandeep Sharma (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Gissoni Francine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2021 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2019 by Andrade Juliana (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by Júlia Cruz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2002 by Hasan Sabran (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2020 by Arawak Tiko (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2020 by Rodríguez rodrigo (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Marcel Donou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2021 by egrini adil (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2019 by Marcelo Isac (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2019 by Marcelo Isac (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2021 by hazel go (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2019 by camaya Ramon (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 16, 2012 by Endemia – Benoît Henry (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 16, 2012 by Endemia – Benoît Henry (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Matthew Brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2021 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 4, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:354756-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5381097)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb.)