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(Last Modified On 3/18/2013)
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(Last Modified On 3/18/2013)
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Species
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Phyllanthus compressus H.B.K.
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PlaceOfPublication
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Nov. Gen. Sp. P1. 2: 109, 1817.
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Description
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Herb, annual or short-lived perennial, up to ca 3 dm high, sparsely to freely branching; monoecious; branches distally flattened and with a sharp wing 0.2-0.25 mm across on each side, ca 1-1.2 mm wide (including wings only 0.7 mm or more wide on secondary branches). Leaves firm in texture; petioles usually less than 1 mm long; stipules auriculate, acuminate, ca 1-2 mm long; blades elliptic, obtusely but distinctly pointed, mostly 6-15 mm long and 2.5-5 mm broad, the primary veins some'times distinct but not prominent, the secondary veins (and sometimes all venation) obscure or invisible. Cymules with usually 1 or 2 male and 1 or 2 female flowers. Staminate flowers with pedicels usually less than 1 mm long; calyx-lobes usually 5, ca 0.5-0.7 mm long and broad; disc-segments 5, entire; stamens 3, the filaments united about halfway (sometimes less), less than 0.5 mm long, the anthers opening ? horizontally; pollen grains oblong, 4-colporate. Pistil- late flowers with pedicels sharply reflexed, less than 1 mm long; calyx-lobes usually 5, ca 0.6-0.8 mm long, obovate; disc annular, entire; ovary smooth, the styles free, bifid, less than 0.4 mm long. Capsules ca 1.7-2 mm in diam; seeds ca 0.9-1 mm long, brownish, verruculose.
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Habit
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Herb
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Distribution
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Mexico to Peru, usually in rather moist places.
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Specimen
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BOCAS DEL TORO: Changuinola Valley, Dunlap 359 (F, US); id., 10-15 mi inland from mouth of Changuinola River, Lewis et al. 888 (DAV, GH, MO, US). PANAMA: sandy places on rocky shore, Boqueron waterfall, Rio Boqueron, Steyermark & Allen 17234 (MO).
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Note
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This species is related to P. caroliniensis and could easily be confused with P. caroliniensis subsp. stenopterus, which also has winged stems. However, the stems of subsp. stenopterus are terete, more delicate, and with wings narrower (ca 0.1 mm), and it also agrees with typical P. carolihniensis in its veiny leaves and free filaments of the male flowers. The leaves of P. compressus are thicker than those of P. caroliniensis and have a dull, leaden appearance which (when taken with the inconspicuous veins) is distinctive.
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