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Pilea microphylla
| Family Name: | Urticaceae |
| Synonyms: | Pilea mucosa |
| Common Name: | Artillery Plant, Gunpowder Plant, Pistol Plant |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Creeper |
| Maximum Height | 0.2 m to 0.3 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico to Brazil |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Low-growing, succulent with a spreading growth habit and short life cycle (1 - 3 years). Resembles a fern. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Small, fleshy leaves are lanceolate to spatulate with smooth edges (0.6 - 1.2 cm long). |
| Flowers | Small greenish to white flowers occur in the leaf axils. |
| Cultivation | This species grows best in a humid environment. It is usually resistant to most insects and diseases. Occasionally, leaf spots and stem rot may occur or spider mites and mealybugs may attack. Plants grown indoors usually do not produce flowers or fruits. Propagate by stem cuttings. |
| Etymology | It is commonly known as the Artillery Plant, because male flower release pollen with explosive force. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 192 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1488 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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