Phyllanthus stipulatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Moeroris stipulata
• Diasperus diffusus var. palustris
• Phyllanthus hoffmeisteri
• Phyllanthus hoffmannseggii
• Phyllanthus diffusus
• Phyllanthus aquaticus
• Diasperus diffusus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in Mexico. It can be found throughout the Northeast, Gulf, Southwest, and Southeast portions of the country. Beyond the borders of Mexico, its range extends into the territory of Central America. Specifically, it is documented to grow within the nation of Belize. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various ecological zones across the region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phyllanthus stipulatus is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to diverse forest ecosystems and a broad altitudinal distribution. This species thrives across a variety of distinct habitats, including the Cerrado (latu sensu), as well as specialized forest types such as Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea, and Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). Its environmental tolerance allows it to occupy niches ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 1900 m AMSL, demonstrating a significant vertical range that encompasses both lowland tropical environments and higher montane elevations.

Elevational range max:

1900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Phyllanthus stipulatus is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and maintain its presence within its ecological niche. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the species exhibits a chamaephyte life form, meaning its perennating buds are located close to the soil surface, protected by the ground or accumulated organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This combination of a long-lived lifecycle and a low-growing, bud-protected stature enables the plant to endure seasonal fluctuations and effectively colonize its specific habitats.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Phyllanthus stipulatus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a primarily terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a self-supporting structure that does not require climbing or liana-like behavior to thrive. As a terrestrial plant, it does not exhibit epiphytic qualities, such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte, but instead establishes itself directly within the soil substrate. This herbaceous habit and non-woody nature define its structural composition, distinguishing it from shrubs, trees, or woody climbers.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Phyllanthus stipulatus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Sterols, Triterpenes, glochidone, glochidonol.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Die Pharmazie

Sterols

1. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)

Triterpenes

1. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)

glochidone

1. Die Pharmazie

glochidonol

1. Die Pharmazie

Activities

Phyllanthus stipulatus 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 stipulatus 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