Potato-bush (Phyllanthus reticulatus, J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 5: 298 (1804))

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Author: Poir.

Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 5: 298 (1804)

Year: 1804

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phyllanthus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to N. Australia

Description

The Potato-bush, scientifically known as Phyllanthus reticulatus, is a remarkable member of the Phyllanthaceae family. First described by the esteemed botanist Poiret in Lamarck’s Encyclopédie in 1804, this versatile plant has garnered interest and admiration for its unique characteristics and widespread distribution.

Phyllanthus reticulatus thrives across a diverse range extending from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia to Northern Australia. Its adaptability to various climates is one of its most notable features, allowing it to flourish in significantly different environmental conditions.

This plant is well-recognized for its intricate and reticulate leaf venation, a trait that not only contributes to its identification but also underscores its evolutionary adaptability. It grows either as a shrub or a small tree, making it a versatile addition to various landscapes. The leaves, small yet striking in their networked veins, display a delicate beauty that enhances the aesthetic of gardens and natural habitats alike.

Beyond its ornamental value, the Potato-bush plays an essential role in its native ecosystems. It provides shelter and food for various fauna, contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in several cultures within its growth range, showcasing its significance in ethnobotany. The fruits and other parts of the plant have been utilized for their medicinal properties, adding another layer of importance to this already valuable species.

In summary, Phyllanthus reticulatus, commonly known as the Potato-bush, stands out not only for its botanic and ecological significance but also for its utility in traditional healing practices. Its presence from Asia to Northern Australia highlights its adaptability and resilience, marking it as a noteworthy component of the regions’ flora.

Common Names

Eng: potato bush, potato-bush
En: Potato-bush, Potato bush
Af: Aartappelbos
Zh: 小果叶下珠
Fi: Jokilaipikka
Jv: Woh mangsi
Ml: നീരോലി ചെടി
Sg: Nziä
Zh-tw: 小果葉下珠
Vi: Phèn đen

Synonyms

• Diasperus multiflorus ((Baill.) Kuntze)
• Phyllanthus scandens (Roxb. ex Dillwyn)
• Anisonema dubium (Blume)
• Anisonema jamaicense ((Griseb.) Griseb.)
• Kirganelia sinensis (Baill.)
• Anisonema intermedium (Decne.)
• Cicca decandra (Blanco)
• Phyllanthus spinescens (Benth.)
• Phyllanthus oblongifolius (Pax)
• Kirganelia prieuriana var. glabra ((Thwaites) Baill.)
• Kirganelia wightiana (Baill.)
• Phyllanthus microcarpus var. dalbergioides (Müll.Arg.)
• Kirganelia dubia ((Blume) Baill.)
• Phyllanthus reticulatus var. glaber ((Thwaites) Müll.Arg.)
• Phyllanthus sinensis var. dalbergioides (Müll.Arg.)
• Diasperus reticulatus ((Poir.) Kuntze)
• Kirganelia intermedia ((Decne.) Baill.)
• Phyllanthus puberulus (Miq. ex Baill.)
• Anisonema multiflorum ((Baill.) Wight)
• Anisonema wrightianum (Baill.)
• Kirganelia multiflora var. glabra (Thwaites)
• Phyllanthus sinensis (Müll.Arg.)
• Phyllanthus alaternoides (Rchb. ex Baill.)
• Phyllanthus jamaicensis (Griseb.)
• Phyllanthus microcarpus var. pallidus (Müll.Arg.)
• Kirganelia prieuriana (Baill.)
• Kirganelia puberula (Baill.)
• Melanthesa oblongifolia (Oken)
• Phyllanthus prieurianus ((Baill.) Müll.Arg.)
• Anisonema zollingeri (Miq.)
• Kirganelia multiflora (Baill.)
• Anisonema puberulum (Baill.)
• Anisonema reticulatum ((Poir.) A.Juss.)
• Kirganelia lineata (Alston)
• Cicca reticulata ((Poir.) Kurz)
• Phyllanthus pentandrus (Roxb. ex Thwaites)
• Phyllanthus chamissonis (Klotzsch)
• Phyllanthus prieurianus var. glaber ((Baill.) Müll.Arg.)
• Kirganelia reticulata ((Poir.) Baill.)
• Phyllanthus takaoensis (Hayata)
• Phyllanthus griseus (Benth.)
• Phyllanthus dalbergioides ((Müll.Arg.) Wall. ex J.J.Sm.)
• Phyllanthus depressus (Buch.-Ham. ex Dillwyn)
• Phyllanthus multiflorus (Willd.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Santa Cruz Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by B. van der Zwan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by ctephen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2021 by badgoti novti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 17, 2019 by Vijigiri Dr Vijigiri Dinesh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Chandru Chawla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Balasundaram Balasundaram Krishnamurthy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 7, 2020 by Aman Vyas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 17, 2019 by Vijigiri Dr Vijigiri Dinesh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2020 by Vijigiri Dr Vijigiri Dinesh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by yassyny Amade (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Enthu Gardner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (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.

Bark

Taken May 8, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:354573-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5382478)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir.)

Specifications

Growth