In Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacognosy)

Genus Phyllanthus
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INTRODUCTION
Genus Phyllanthus is a widespread tropical genus and has been
much employed in traditional medicine. It comprises 550 species. This
genus name come from the Greek name Phyllan-thus which means
leaf-flower; the flower of some species apparently born on the leaves
(9, 10) . Plant of the genus Phyllanthus (10) are shrubs, trees or herbs.
v The leaves are alternate and entire. It is arranged in opposite
rows along the smaller branches as to give them the
appearance of pinnate leaves.
v The flowers are apetalous, in lateral panicles or solitary.
Often pistillate and staminate flowers are together in axils of
leaves.
• The calyx:
Imbricated and consisting of 4-6 sepals.
• The androecium:
Stamens are 3 or 4.
• The gynoecium:
Ovary consists of 3 to 4 locules with 2 ovules in each
locule and each of the 3 styles usually bifid.
v The fruit is usually berry or capsule.