Family: Urticaceae
Author: (L.) Liebm.
Bibliography: Mexic. Neldeagt. Pl.: 18 (1851)
Year: 1851
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pilea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to N. South America and Peru, SE. U.S.A. to Caribbean
Description
The Artillery-plant, scientifically known as Pilea microphylla, is a fascinating and vibrant member of the Urticaceae family. This plant, documented as early as 1851 in “Mexic. Neldeagt. Pl.: 18” by the botanist Liebmann, is notable for its wide distribution and intriguing characteristics.
Originating from Mexico, the Artillery-plant’s natural range extends southward through Northern South America, including countries such as Peru. Additionally, it is found in the Southeastern United States and stretches across the Caribbean, highlighting its adaptability to diverse climates and environments.
One of the most distinctive features of Pilea microphylla is its small, delicate leaves. These tiny leaves are densely packed along its stems, creating a lush, mat-like appearance that can bring a splash of green to any setting. This plant can often be seen thriving in shaded, moist habitats, where its compact growth habit contributes to its charm. The foliage of the Artillery-plant adds texture and a sense of fullness to gardens and indoor plant collections alike.
The common name “Artillery-plant” is derived from the plant’s unique reproductive behavior. During its flowering phase, the tiny, inconspicuous flowers of Pilea microphylla release seeds with a sudden, explosive force, reminiscent of tiny artillery, giving the plant its evocative common name. This mechanism aids in effective seed dispersal, ensuring the proliferation of the plant across its range.
Despite its small size, the Artillery-plant plays a notable role in the ecosystems it inhabits. It provides ground cover, helps in soil stabilization, and can be an excellent plant for reducing erosion in its native habitats. In cultivation, it is appreciated for its low-maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal indoor conditions, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts who desire an easy-to-care-for yet visually pleasing addition to their plant collections.
In conclusion, Pilea microphylla, or the Artillery-plant, is a remarkable species appreciated for both its decorative qualities and its ecological contributions. Its wide distribution from Mexico to Northern South America, the Southeastern United States, and the Caribbean underscores its versatility and resilience. Whether grown indoors or in a garden, this plant continues to capture the interest of botanists, horticulturists, and plant lovers around the world.
Common Names
Deu: artilleriepflanze, kleinblättrige kanonierblume
Eng: gunpowder plant, rockweed, artillery-plant, gunpowder-plant, military-fern, pistolplant, lace plant, creeping charly, artillery plant
Por: brilhantina
Swe: mosspilea
En: Artillery-plant, Military-fern, Pistolplant, Gunpowder-plant, Rockweed, Artillery plant, Gunpowder plant, Lace Plant, Creeping Charly, Gun Powder
Bn: বারুদ উদ্ভিদ
Zh: Xiao ye leng shui hua, 小叶冷水花, 小葉冷水麻
Fi: Sammalpiilea
Fr: Pilée à petites feuilles
De: Artilleriepflanze, Kleinblättrige Kanonierblume
Ml: പൈലിയ മൈക്രോഫില്ല
Pt: Brilhantina
Es: Espumilla, Yerba de tejado
Sv: Mosspilea
Zh-tw: 小葉冷水麻
Zh-hant: 小葉冷水花
Synonyms
- Dubrueilia microphylla ((L.) Gaudich.)
- Pilea trianthmoides var. microphylla ((L.) Wedd.)
- Pilea muscosa var. microphylla ((L.) Wedd.)
- Urtica microphylla ((L.) Sw.)
- Parietaria microphylla (L.)
Distribution
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Benin (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Brazil North (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Brazil West-Central (introduced)
- Burundi (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Central American Pac (introduced)
- Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Comoros (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Gabon (introduced)
- Galápagos (introduced)
- Gambia (introduced)
- Gilbert Is. (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Guinea (introduced)
- Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
- Laos (introduced)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
- Liberia (introduced)
- Line Is. (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Maldives (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Marquesas (introduced)
- Marshall Is. (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Nansei-shoto (introduced)
- Nauru (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- Nicobar Is. (introduced)
- Nigeria (introduced)
- Niue (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Rwanda (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Samoa (introduced)
- Santa Cruz Is. (introduced)
- Senegal (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Sierra Leone (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Solomon Is. (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Tokelau-Manihiki (introduced)
- Tonga (introduced)
- Tuamotu (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
- Tuvalu (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
- Yugoslavia (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Lara Mujo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2019 by marcelo rodriguez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2019 by robert shekhar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Jorge Luis Reconco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2022 by aparecidarosa22 (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Lima Eduardo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2019 by Paris Domignuez (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Molina Roberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)
Taken Oct 29, 2019 by ballesteros candela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2012 by EOL − Andres Hernandez (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 8, 2020 by guarin andrea (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Cat Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Cat Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Cat Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2012 by EOL − Carina Chicaiza (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 15, 2015 by EOL − Lauran (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Ivanio Joarez Petik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Arben Virgota, S.Pi., M.Si. – (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Barbara Ward (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2022 by neide nunes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1162156-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361841)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb