Phyllanthus orbiculatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Diasperus orbiculatus
• Phyllanthus orbiculatus var. rupestris
• Phyllanthus poiretianus
• Phyllanthus poiretianus var. acutifolius
• Phyllanthus orbiculatus var. lignescens
• Phyllanthus orbiculatus var. acutifolius
• Phyllanthus orbiculatus var. intermedius

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions of the Americas. In the Caribbean, it can be found within the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Its presence extends into Northern South America, where it inhabits French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Furthermore, the species reaches into Western South America, specifically documented in Bolivia. This broad range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phyllanthus orbiculatus is characterized by a broad adaptability to diverse ecosystems and a specific altitudinal distribution. This species thrives across a variety of habitats, including anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica), the Caatinga (strictu sensu), the Cerrado (lato sensu), and the Amazonian Savanna (Savaana Amazônica). In terms of topography, the plant occupies a wide elevational gradient, starting from sea level (0 m AMSL) and reaching a maximum altitude of 700 m AMSL. The average elevation for its occurrence is approximately 75 m AMSL, indicating a strong preference for lowland environments despite its capacity to inhabit higher elevations.

Elevational range max:

700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

75 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Savana Amazônica

Life history

The life history of Phyllanthus orbiculatus is characterized by its distinct classification as a chamaephyte, a life form that dictates its survival strategy by keeping its perennating buds close to the soil surface. This growth habit allows the plant to endure seasonal fluctuations and environmental stressors by maintaining its regenerative structures within the protective layer of the substrate. As a perennial species, it undergoes cyclical stages of vegetative growth and reproduction, utilizing its low-lying architecture to colonize specific ecological niches where it can efficiently capture light and moisture. Throughout its life cycle, the plant transitions from seedling establishment to a mature state where it contributes to the local biodiversity, relying on its specialized life form to navigate periods of dormancy and regrowth.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Phyllanthus orbiculatus is characterized by its classification as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a growth form consistent with a herbaceous plant. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than acting as an epiphyte. While it can inhabit various moisture gradients, its primary habitat profile encompasses aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting, meaning it does not function as a climbing liana or a vine, but rather maintains its own stature without the need for external support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Phyllanthus orbiculatus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive.

Antinociceptive

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Phyllanthus orbiculatus has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hydroalcoholic extract (HE).

Hydroalcoholic extract (he)

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology