Breynia stipitata (Fart Bush) (Phyllanthaceae)

Breynia stipitata

This attractive shrub never fails to draw attention. The zig-zag arrangement of the ovate leaves and the single red berry at each leaf axil is rather distinctive. The leaves have a bad smell when crushed.

Breynia stipitata
Fruit detail

Breynia stipitata

Breynia stipitata
Stipule detail

About David Tng

I am David Tng, a hedonistic botanizer who pursues plants with a fervour. I chase the opportunity to delve into various aspects of the study of plants. I have spent untold hours staring at mosses and allied plants, taking picture of pollen, culturing orchids in clean cabinets, counting tree rings, monitoring plant flowering times, etc. I am currently engrossed in the study of plant ecology (a grand excuse to see 'anything I can). Sometimes I think of myself as a shadow taxonomist, a sentimental ecologist, and a spiritual environmentalist - but at the very root of it all, a "plant whisperer"!
This entry was posted in Habitat - Coastal forest, Habitat - Rain forest, Lifeform - Trees & Shrubs, Phyllanthaceae (Phyllanthus family). Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Breynia stipitata (Fart Bush) (Phyllanthaceae)

  1. Terry says:

    Hi David, great site, nice clear pictures, it’s been very useful doing my herbarium project!

    But… isn’t Breynia stipitata the smelly one?

    According to the Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants website, the leaves of Breynia cernua; ‘Leaves do NOT emit an obnoxious odour when crushed.’

    http://keys.trin.org.au:8080/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/Breynia_cernua.htm

    http://keys.trin.org.au:8080/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/Breynia_stipitata.htm

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