Chamberbitter
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| Phyllanthus urinaria L. |
Chamberbitter (Phyllanthus urinaria), also called gripeweed, shatterstone, stonebreaker or leafflower, is a herb species in the family Phyllanthaceae.
[edit] Plant description
The plant, reaching around 2 feet, has small alternate leaves resembling those of the mimosa tree, disposed in two ranges. The leaves are large at the tip and smaller towards the petiole. When touched, the leaves fold in automatically. Flowers are greenish white, minute and appear at axiles of the leaves, as well as the seed capsules. Numerous small green-red fruits, round and smooth, are found along the underside of the stems, which are erect and red.
This plant is considered a competitive weed in some regions, because of its great number of seeds, its high shade tolerance and its extensive root system.
[edit] Distribution
Although of Asian origin, the weed is widely found in all tropical regions of the world. In the United States, it is found in southern states such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, New Mexico or Texas.
[edit] Germination
The plant is summer annual and germinates from early summer to early fall, requiring warm soil. Besides, little is known about biological activities of this species.
