Phyllanthus gunnii
Shrubby Spurge
A medium shrub with upright branches. Male and female flowers separate, occurring on the same plant.
Additional information
- FamilyPhyllanthaceae (syn. Euphorbiaceae)
- StoreyLower storey
- Size1-3 m x 0.6-2 m
- Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
- LeavesRound to elliptic yellow-green to grey-green leaves, paler below, 9-33 mm x 4-20 mm, distinctly veined, tip blunt, often notched. Pair of red-brown leaf-like stipules at the base of leaves, to 4.5 mm long.
- Flower colourGreenish-yellow
- Flowering timeMainly September to January
- FlowersA profusion of tiny flowers with 6 sepals in 2 rings, hanging on stalks to 7 mm long in leaf axils; male flowers in groups of 1-21, female in groups of 1-4. Flattened fruit to 3 mm, becoming reddish.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWell drained soil in sheltered gullies of open forests. Semi shade to dappled shade. Grows densely after fires and other disturbance.
- Garden useAn attractive foliage plant which responds well to pruning.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Last known collection from a single site in 1924.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Ken Harris ©; 3 Ian McCann, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 4 Russell Best, NatureShare ©
Plant Communities