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Small-Fruit PotatobushPhyllanthus ovalifolius

Also known as Small-Fruited Potato Bush

  • Category: Ornamental
  • Type: Shrub
  • Sunlight: High
  • Water: Moderate
  • Temperature: Moderate

Phyllanthus ovalifolius is an attractive shrub known for its small fruits, often found in its native habitat. This plant is valued for its ornamental qualities.

Photograph © Graeme White · CC-BY-NC

Small-Fruit Potatobush Care Summary

At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data

Light

High

75% intensity

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates.

Watering

Moderate

50% intensity

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.

Soil

Well-drained

50% intensity

Temperature

Moderate

50% intensity

Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.

Fertilizer

Moderate

50% intensity

Feed during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Small-Fruit Potatobush Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Small-Fruit Potatobush
AttributeValue
EdibleNo

Small-Fruit Potatobush Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Garden, Pot
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Height
1-2 meters
Spread
1-2 meters
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Simple
Flower Size
1-1.5 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000

Care guide for Small-Fruit Potatobush

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feel dry. Allow excess water to drain away completely to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months, but do not let the soil become completely arid.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Lightly trim to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the plant.

Propagation

Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Use a rooting hormone to improve success rates. Plant cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist in a warm, humid environment until roots form.

Repotting

Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths99
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths99

Small-Fruit Potatobush Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

  • Small-Fruit Potatobush
  • Small-Fruited Potato Bush

Synonyms

  • Diasperus ovalifolius (Forssk.) Kuntze
  • Phyllanthus guineensis Pax
  • Phyllanthus lalambensis Schweinf.
  • Phyllanthus ugandensis Rendle

Small-Fruit Potatobush Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Small-Fruit Potatobush
RankName
kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderMalpighiales
familyPhyllanthaceae
genusPhyllanthus
speciesPhyllanthus ovalifolius

Small-Fruit Potatobush FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

What is the scientific name for small-fruit potatobush?

The scientific name for small-fruit potatobush is Phyllanthus ovalifolius.

What are the common uses of Phyllanthus ovalifolius?

Phyllanthus ovalifolius is primarily used as an ornamental shrub.

Where is Phyllanthus ovalifolius native to?

Information on the specific native range of Phyllanthus ovalifolius is not readily available through authoritative sources.

Does Phyllanthus ovalifolius have any notable horticultural benefits?

Phyllanthus ovalifolius is appreciated for its ornamental qualities as a shrub.

What is the typical appearance of Phyllanthus ovalifolius?

Phyllanthus ovalifolius is a shrub characterized by its small fruits.