Bitter Root
Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn.
Phyllanthus amarus is a tropical herb native to the Americas, Africa, India, China, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae and is commonly known as Bitter Root. The plant is widely distributed across various regions, including Complejo Humedales Hato Corozal, BR, CO, Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Macarena, and several Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Described in 1827 by Schumach. & Thonn., it is also known by several other common names such as gale of the wind, carry me seed, seed on the leaf, pick-a-back, stonebreaker, and dukung anak in Malay.
Description
Phyllanthus amarus is a leafy annual herb characterized by its small, yellow-green flowers and distinctive seed-bearing structures. It thrives in tropical climates and is often found in moist, open habitats. The plant has been traditionally used in various medicinal systems for its purported health benefits. Its distribution spans multiple continents, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia, where it grows in diverse ecological settings. The species is recognized for its unique morphology and ecological adaptability.
Other common names
Carry me seedcarry-me-seedGale-of-windWild TamarindDemerara TamarindBitter RootSeed Under Leaf
Distribution
Complejo Humedales Hato Corozal · BR · CO · Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Macarena · TW · VU · SC · CK · NP · NU · AS · Kosrae · Yap · WS · PW · SB · BI · NR · KI · TD · Núcleo Aceites S.A. · KM · FM · SG · TF · Cimitarra | Puerto Wilches · WF · YT · MV · MY
Synonyms
Phyllanthus amarus var. baronianusPhyllanthus nanusPhyllanthus niruri var. amarusPhyllanthus niruri var. scabrellusPhyllanthus scabrellusPhyllanthus swartziiDiasperus nanusPhyllanthus amarus subsp. amarusPhyllanthus amarus subsp. sanyaensisPhyllanthus niruroides var. madagascariensisPhyllanthus niruri var. baronianus
