Phyllanthus urinaria L. - Chamber Bitter
Family - Euphorbiaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
N/A
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Fruits.
Flowering - May - December.
Habitat - Waste ground, disturbed sites, lawns, fields.
Origin - Native to tropical east Asia.
Other information - This species can be found mainly in southern Alabama. The plant is easy to identify because of its dense leafy stems and globose fruits, which can be found along the stems below the leaves.
The genus name Phyllanthus derives from the Greek "phyll" meaning "a leaf" and "anthus" meaning "a flower." The flowers in some species arise from leaf-like branches.
The species epithet urinaria is so given because the plant was thought to treat disorders of the urinary tract such as kidney stones.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Lee Rd 54, Lee County, AL., 9-10-04.