Scientific name: Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus

POWO Status: Shrub

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 53.80″ N, 64° 49′ 48.53″ W

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus

Common Name: Epiphyllanthus
Scientific Name: Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus L.
Family: Phyllanthaceae

Leaf Phenology

Leaf Type: Simple, elliptical leaves with smooth margins
Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Evergreen
Leaf Flush: New leaves typically emerge during the warmer, wetter months, especially following rainfall or periods of increased humidity
Senescence: Leaves can yellow and drop during drought periods or in cooler seasons, though this is minimal in stable tropical environments
Phenological Indicator: Fresh, light green leaves appearing after rainfall or during the wet season, particularly after a period of dormancy

Flowering

Inflorescence: Small, inconspicuous flowers, typically arranged in clusters or spikes
Blooming Period (Tropics): Flowering usually occurs in late spring to summer, but it can happen year-round in tropical climates with appropriate moisture conditions
Pollinators: Primarily insect-pollinated, with bees and flies being the most likely visitors
Phenological Indicator: Small clusters of flowers emerging from leaf axils, often in tight, compact groups

Fruiting

Fruit Type: Small, fleshy drupes that turn from green to yellow as they ripen
Fruit Development: Fruits develop rapidly after flowering and can mature in 4-6 weeks
Dispersal: Fruits are dispersed by birds or gravity
Phenological Indicator: Bright yellow fruits appearing after flowering, visible in small clusters along the branches

Suggested Photo Angles

• Full plant in context, showing the small size and overall structure of the plant
• Close-up of individual leaves to showcase their shape, texture, and arrangement
• Flower clusters, particularly before and after blooming
• Developing and mature fruits, especially focusing on the color change from green to yellow
• Leaf flush during new growth periods, or senescence and leaf drop if observed

Notes for Monitoring

The plant’s small size and relatively rapid flowering and fruiting cycles make it an ideal subject for phenology tracking

Flowering and fruiting are likely tied to moisture availability, with both stages occurring most frequently during the wet season

Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus can often be found in tropical and subtropical environments, typically in humid, well-drained soils