Leaf-flower
Phyllanthus casticum

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The trunk can be 15 cm across. The bark is brown-grey. The twigs are hairy. The leaves are alternate. They are in 2 rows and crowded along the twigs. The leaf blade is oblong and 7-25 mm long by 3-12 mm wide. The base is unequal. The flowers are in small groups in the axils of leaves. Male and female flowers are separate. They are dark red. The fruit is a round fleshy berry. It is 6-9 mm across and is green but turn red then black. It has 6 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 1,600 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Comoros, East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten and has a slightly sour taste.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

several