Stonebraker
Phyllanthus niruri

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 50-70 cm tall. The branches are soft and reach upwards. The bark is smooth and light green. The leaves are simple and arranged one after the other (alternate). The flowers are pale green. The fruit are small capsules with many seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal areas. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. In Costa Rica it grows between 1,000-2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Argentina, Asia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Caroline Islands, Central America, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, India, Guiana, Guianas, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Northeastern India, Pacific, Paraguay, Samoa, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Tokelau, Uruguay, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amin buah, Arranca-pedras, Bhui amala, Bhumi amla, Bhumyamalaki, Bon amlokhi, Cane senna, Carry-me seed, Cahnca piedra, Creole senna, Dukong anak, Flor-de-joja, Flyroost, Gale-wind grass, Hazardana, Keezhar nelli nela usiri, Kyet-tha-hin, Limar-mah-pom, Nila nelli, Niruri, Quebra-pedra, Rami buah, Vuiamla, Yaung-ma-ywet

Synonyms

Diasperus niruri (L.) Kuntze; Niruris annua Raf.; Nymphanthus niruri (L.) Lour.; Phyllanthus lathyroides f. decoratus Standl. & Steyerm.; and others