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Cathetus myrtifolius (Wight) R.W.Bouman
| Family Name: | Phyllanthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Phyllanthus myrtifolius (Wight) Müll.Arg. |
| Common Name: | Ceylon Myrtle, Mousetail Plant |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Popular ornamental shrub that grows up to 3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Small, lanceolate to oblong leaves are light green and have alternate leaf arrangement. They are held in the same plane in 2 files along the stem. |
| Stems | Thin, flexible stems droop gracefully downwards. Stems are highly branched, producing a dense crown. |
| Flowers | Small flowers are pink to red. |
| Fruit | Small fruits are round and slightly flattened. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet myrtifolius means myrtle-leaved. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: This plant contains tannins which have anti-bacterial activity. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This species can be grown over a wall to form a dense, attractive hedge. It can also be grown along the edge of freshwater bodies. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Flowerbed / Border, Suitable for Bonsai |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|
References
| References | Bouman, R. et al. (2022). A revised phylogenetic classification of tribe Phyllantheae (Phyllanthaceae). Phytotaxa 540(1): 1–100. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1041 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2334 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |