Madras leaf-flower (Phyllanthus maderaspatensis, Sp. Pl.: 982 (1753))

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 982 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phyllanthus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Africa, W. Indian Ocean, Arabian Pen., Pakistan to Australia

Description

Madras leaf-flower, an intriguing and widespread plant, bears the scientific name Phyllanthus maderaspatensis, described authoritatively in the publication “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. This diverse species is part of the Phyllanthaceae family, which encompasses a variety of similar flowering plants known for their unique botanical features.

Native to an extensive geographical region, the Madras leaf-flower thrives across multiple continents. Its natural habitat spans Africa, extending from the western reaches of the Indian Ocean to the arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. The plant’s range further stretches from Pakistan across the subcontinent to the diverse terrains of Australia. This widespread distribution is a testament to the plant’s adaptability and resilience in various environmental conditions.

The Madras leaf-flower is well-regarded for its ecological significance and its role in traditional medicine throughout its native regions. The plant often assumes a shrubby form, sporting small, delicate leaves that contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. It is not uncommon to find this plant flourishing in various habitats, ranging from coastal regions to more arid, inland locales, where it benefits from the ample sunlight and varying soil conditions.

Given its vast distribution and the diverse cultures it touches, Phyllanthus maderaspatensis is known by numerous names in different languages, each reflecting the local context and its uses. Botanists and plant enthusiasts alike find this species particularly fascinating due to its widespread nature and the ecological niches it occupies.

Understanding the Madras leaf-flower provides insight not just into the botanical characteristics of the plant itself, but also into the broader ecological and cultural landscapes across its extensive range. Whether considered for its scientific value, its use in traditional practices, or its role within diverse ecosystems, the Madras leaf-flower stands out as a remarkable example of global plant diversity.

Common Names

En: Madras leaf-flower
Ar: ابشيت, ترلانوى هندى، عيوبيت (عَيوبيت), خلف
Zh: 麻德拉斯叶下珠
Fr: Phyllanthe de Madras
Ta: நில நெல்லி

Synonyms

• Diasperus maderaspatensis ((L.) Kuntze)
• Nellica maderaspatana (Raf.)

Distribution

• Aldabra (native)
• Andaman Is. (native)
• Angola (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Laccadive Is. (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Maldives (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Namibia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 27, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Riie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 30, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5381104)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:354211-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L.)

Specifications

Growth