Phyllanthus amarus Schum.
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Authority
Acevedo-Rodríguez, Pedro & collaborators. 1996. Flora of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 78: 1-581.
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Family
Euphorbiaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Species Description - Erect herb 0.3-1 m tall, glabrous. Leaf blades 5-11 x 3-6 mm, alternate, on short lateral deciduous branches, oblong to obovate, membranous, the apex rounded, the base obtuse or rounded, equal, the margins entire; petioles <0.5 mm long; stipules ca. 2 mm long, lanceolate. Cymules of 1 pistillate and 1 staminate flower; calyx of 5 sepals; stamens 3, the filament connate into a short column; ovary of 3 carpels, styles free at base, bifid. Capsule oblate, with rounded outline, ca. 2 mm diam., strawcolored. Seeds wedge-shaped, ca. 1 mm long, light brown, with 5-6 longitudinal ribs along dorsal side.
Distribution and Ecology - Common weed occurring along roadsides and m open disturbed areas. Bordeaux (A3138), Cruz Bay (A3091), Fish Bay (A3871). Also on Tortola and Virgin Gorda; throughout the tropics as a weed