Phyllanthus caroliniensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across different continents. In the Indo-China region, its presence has been specifically documented in Thailand. Moving to North-Central U.S.A., the species can be found growing in the state of Illinois. It also inhabits the plains of Kansas and Missouri within the same American region. Finally, its range extends further south into the territory of Oklahoma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phyllanthus carolinianis is characterized by its ability to thrive across a diverse range of Brazilian biomes, including the Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar or Galeria, and the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). This wide distribution indicates a high level of ecological plasticity, allowing the species to inhabit both semi-arid scrublands and humid, tropical rainforest environments. Its vertical distribution is found from sea level up to an elevation of 1000 m AMSL, demonstrating a broad altitudinal tolerance that spans from lowland coastal or riverine areas to higher-altitude inland terrains.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Phyllanthus carolinianis is characterized by its classification as an annual species, meaning it completes its entire developmental cycle from germination to seed production within a single growing season. In terms of its ecological strategy and growth habit, the plant is categorized as a therophyte, a life form defined by its reliance on ephemeral structures to survive unfavorable periods. This botanical profile indicates that the plant typically survives through highly resistant seeds that remain dormant in the soil until environmental conditions become favorable for rapid growth and reproduction.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Phyllanthus caroliniensis is characterized by a growth form primarily classified as a non-woody herb or forb, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a liana, vine, or obligatory climber. As a terrestrial plant, it does not function as an epiphyte—whether holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or facultative—nor does it occupy aquatic or semiaquatic habitats, maintaining a strictly land-based existence. Furthermore, the species is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and its physical development is defined by its non-woody nature, lacking the rigid lignified tissues found in shrubs or trees.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Phyllanthus caroliniensis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Preparations

Phyllanthus caroliniensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hydroalcoholic extract (HE).

Hydroalcoholic extract (he)

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology