Rock Bush

Title

Rock Bush

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus L.

Description

Common Names

Rock Bush, Hard Head Bush, Abraham Bush, Sword Bush, Scipio Bush

Euphorbiaceae

Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus grows as a small to medium size shrub up to 2 m in height. There are no leaves and the branches are modified into phyllodia (photosynthetic leaf like branches). The phyllodia are arranged distichously and are lanceolate to oblanceolate with a curved shape with a serrate/notched margin.

Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus is monoecious with clusters of flowers arising from the serration/notches of the phyllodia. There are 5 or 6 sepals in the calyx that are unfused and yellow to red. There is no corolla. In staminate flowers there is a staminal column with glands at its base and no ovary. In carpellate flowers the ovary is superior with 3 locules each with 2 ovules and no stamens. The fruit is a 3-lobed capsule that turns brown at maturity and is covered with small projections/swellings.

Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus grows in open rocky areas and along the edges of Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation-Shrublands (scrubland).

Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus occurs on all islands in the Bahamian Archipelago and throughout the entire Caribbean region.

Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus is used medicinally in the Bahamas to treat colds/fevers, coughing, dermatological issues, headaches, hemorrhaging, stomach pains, sore throats, mouth sores, tooth aches as well as general therapeutic teas. The phyllodia are boiled to produce a tonic that can be used to stop vomiting.