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Emblica urinaria (L.) R.W.Bouman
| Family Name: | Phyllanthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Phyllanthus urinaria L. |
| Common Name: | Shatterstone, Leafflower, Chamber Bitter |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Maximum Height | 0.3 m to 0.6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small, fern-like herb. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Small, oblong leaves are arranged on opposite sides of the stem in a fernlike pattern. Leaf apex has a short, but distinct tip. |
| Stems | Herbaceous stems are light green with pinkish tints. |
| Flowers | Small, whitish flowers occur singly on the leaf underside near the base of leaflets. |
| Fruit | Fleshy, round fruits have small, reddish spot and a bumpy surface. Yellow seeds are wedge-shaped and ribbed. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet "urinaria" refers to the plant's use in traditional medicine to treat urinary diseases. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1043 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2336 |
| 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. |
