Phyllanthus muellerianus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kirganelia muelleriana
• Diasperus muellerianus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Phyllanthaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Phyllanthus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the region of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is specifically documented in the country of Benin. Furthermore, it can be found growing within the borders of Burkina. The species also extends its range into Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the nation of Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Phyllanthus muellerianus is characterized by its long-term survival and distinct structural growth strategies. As a perennial species, it maintains its presence in the ecosystem over multiple years, rather than completing a single reproductive cycle and dying. Its physical structure is categorized through different life forms, primarily functioning as a phanerophyte, which indicates that its stems and buds are elevated above the ground level, protected during unfavorable conditions. Additionally, it exhibits characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, suggesting a growth habit where the woody parts are kept relatively low to the substrate while still maintaining the structural advantages of a larger plant.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Phyllanthus muellerianus is characterized by its woody structure and diverse growth habits, primarily manifesting as a shrub. It exhibits a significant range in plant height, with measurements spanning from a minimum of 0.25 m to an average of approximately 5 m. The plant functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic tendencies, and is classified as a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic or epiphytic one. In terms of its climbing capacity, it demonstrates versatility, acting as a self-supporting plant while also possessing the ability to grow as a liana.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

5 m

Plant height min:

0.25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Phyllanthus muellerianus is characterized by specialized metabolic processes that support its growth in specific ecological niches, though it does not possess the biological mechanisms required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Regarding its nutrient acquisition, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer; trait_value: no), meaning it relies entirely on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its root system rather than converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Its metabolic activity is driven by photosynthetic pathways that facilitate carbon assimilation, supporting the development of its structural components and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. The plant's physiological regulation involves complex water management and mineral transport systems to maintain cellular homeostasis and facilitate the distribution of nutrients throughout its vascular tissues.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Phyllanthus muellerianus is characterized by a highly flexible phenological cycle, with flowering and fruiting periods that exhibit significant variability throughout the year. The flowering process is non-specific in its timing, as the start and end periods are variable and can occur across any month from January through December. Similarly, the fruiting stage shows a variable onset and conclusion, though data indicates a potential fruiting presence starting in January. The reproductive success is further defined by the characteristics of its seeds, which are notably small. The seed mass displays a mean value of approximately 0.0029525 g, with individual seed weights ranging from a minimum of 0.0011 g to a maximum of 0.00839 g.

Flowering time :

variable

Fruiting time :

Jan

Seed mass max:

0.00839 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0029525 g

Seed mass min:

0.0011 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Phyllanthus muellerianus 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Phyllanthus muellerianus has 20 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Geraniin, Ellagitannins, METHYL GALLATE, 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-friedelanone.

Geraniin

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2. Parasitology research
3. Frontiers in pharmacology

Ellagitannins

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

METHYL GALLATE

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2. Journal of Asian natural products research

3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

3-friedelanone

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Corilagin

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Coumarins

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Flavonoids

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Activities

Phyllanthus muellerianus has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic.

Antimalarial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimicrobial

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antipyretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Phyllanthus muellerianus has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, wound healing, Plasmodium falciparum, antipyretic, convulsions.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations