Phyllanthus urinaria Seeds | Leaf Flower
LATIN NAME: Phyllanthus urinaria
COMMON NAME: Leaf Flower
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Leaf Flower (Phyllanthus urinaria) is an annual in the spurge family. Leaf flower holds its small, oval, leaf-like branchlets and tiny, greenish flowers along underside of stems, and the whole plant stands in the upright, neat clumps. It is a plant of open, sunny, deep, moist, well-drained ground. All of this makes Leaf Flower a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the spurge family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Centuries of cultivation have left a detailed record of how it grows and behaves.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Leaf Flower for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Leaf flower is a fine, quiet plant of herb patch and study collection. It is a fine, quiet plant of open, sunny, deep, moist, well-drained garden. Give young plants deep, moist bed, and neat rows will fill warm months. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Phyllanthus, especially P. niruri, the stonebreaker, is a major Ayurvedic and Amazonian herb for liver and urinary-stone support, its lignans and tannins studied for liver-protective effects; it is one of the tropics’ most-researched folk medicines.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Leaf Flower under ordinary good conditions. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Given the right start, Leaf Flower is a long-term garden companion. After establishment, care settles into an easy routine.
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