Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Malpighiales
Species:
acidus
ID:
271073

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Skeels

Source:
wcs

Year:
1909

Citation Micro:
Bull. Bur. Pl. Industr. U.S.D.A. 148: 17 (1909)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000270405

Common Names

  • Phyllanthus acidus
  • Acid Phyllanthus
  • Acid Star-thistle

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Synonyms

  • Phyllanthus acidissimus (Blanco) Müll.Arg. [unknown]
  • Phyllanthus cicca Müll.Arg. [unknown]
  • Phyllanthus cicca bracteosa Müll.Arg. [unknown]
  • Phyllanthus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Müll.Arg. [illegitimate]
  • Phyllanthus distichus (L.) Müll.Arg. [illegitimate]
  • Phyllanthus distichus nodiflorus (Lam.) Müll.Arg. [unknown]
  • Phyllanthus longifolius Lam. ex Poir. [unknown]
  • Phyllanthus longifolius Jacq. [unknown]
  • Averrhoa acida L. [unknown]
  • Tricarium cochinchinense Lour. [unknown]
  • Averrhoa acida L. [deprecated]
  • Cicca acida (L.) Merr. [unknown]
  • Cicca acidissima Blanco [unknown]
  • Cicca disticha L. [unknown]
  • Cicca nodiflora Lam. [unknown]
  • Cicca racemosa Lour. [unknown]
  • Diasperus acidissimus (Blanco) Kuntze [unknown]

Description

Phyllanthus acidus (also called Otaheite Gooseberry, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It grows in moist and wet soils, and can be found in disturbed areas, grasslands, and along roadsides.

Uses & Benefits

Phyllanthus acidus is used to treat fever, malaria, and dysentery. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and to reduce inflammation.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Phyllanthus distichus var. distichus

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Phyllanthus acidus are small and white in color. The seeds are small and black in color. The seedlings are small and green in color.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Phyllanthus acidus is a perennial plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. It can be propagated by division or by seed. The plant prefers a moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is best to water the plant regularly and fertilize it once a month during the growing season.

Where to Find Phyllanthus acidus

Phyllanthus acidus is native to the eastern United States, from New York to Florida and west to Texas.

Phyllanthus acidus FAQ

What is the scientific name of Phyllanthus acidus?

Phyllanthus acidus

What is the natural habitat of Phyllanthus acidus?

Tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas

What is the flower color of Phyllanthus acidus?

White or pink

Species in the Phyllanthus genus

Species in the Phyllanthaceae family

Actephila alanbakeri, Actephila saccata, Actephila albidula, Actephila anthelminthica, Actephila aurantiaca, Actephila collinsiae, Actephila daii, Actephila dolichopoda, Actephila excelsa, Actephila foetida, Actephila grandifolia, Actephila latifolia, Actephila lindleyi, Actephila longipedicellata, Actephila macrantha, Actephila mearsii, Actephila merrilliana, Actephila mooreana, Actephila nitidula, Actephila ovalis, Actephila petiolaris, Actephila pierrei, Actephila platysepala, Actephila puberula, Actephila sessilifolia, Actephila subsessilis, Actephila trichogyna, Actephila bella, Actephila championiae, Actephila flavescens, Actephila plicata, Actephila traceyi, Actephila venusta, Actephila vernicosa, Actephila forsteri, Amanoa almerindae, Amanoa anomala, Amanoa bracteosa, Amanoa caribaea, Amanoa congesta, Amanoa cupatensis, Amanoa glaucophylla, Amanoa gracillima, Amanoa guianensis, Amanoa muricata, Amanoa nanayensis, Amanoa neglecta, Amanoa oblongifolia, Amanoa sinuosa, Amanoa steyermarkii,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-153279: Based on the initial data import
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Homer Collar Skeels (1873-1934): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Skeels' in the authors string.