Appearance

Phyllanthus urinaria is an erect to prostrate, slender, glabrous herb, 4-14 in. (10-35 cm) high. The stems branch often and can be reddish. It is native to Asia and the Pacific Northwest.

Foliage

The papery leaves are alternate and about 0.2-0.4 x 0.08-0.2 in. (4-10 × 2-5 mm). They are oblong to nearly linear and sometimes slightly falcate. Leaves are bright to dark green above and gray-green to reddish tinged below.

Flowers

Male and female flowers are on the same plant. Female flowers are along the first to the middle part of the leaf with male flowers from the middle to the tip. Flowers are very small and yellowish white.

Fruit

Fruits are green, red or greenish-red, and is about 0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter. The fruits are divided into three parts and their surface has raised scales.

Ecological Threat

P. urinaria can be found in a variety of different habitat types such as dry fields, roadsides, wastelands, and forest margins. P. urinaria is a symptomless carrier and potential host of Rastonia solanacearum in Taiwan. It can be found naturalized throughout the tropics.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alabama Invasive Plant Council - Watch list A
• Alabama Noxious Weeds - Class C Noxious Weed
• National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems

References