phyllanthus

[Pref. phyll-, and Gr. anthos =a flower.] Botany: The typical genus of the Phyllanthese. Diœcio us plants, herbs, shrubs, or trees, with small green flowers in the axils of the leaves. Species numerous. The bruised leaves of Phyllanthus conami are used to inebriate fish. P. urinaria is a strong diuretic. The root, leaves, and young shoots of P. niruri are regarded in India as deobstruent, diuretic, and healing; the very bitter leaves are a good stomachic. P. emblic a or Emblic a officinal is , the Emblic Myrobalan, and P. distich us , two small trees, bear edible fruits. The first yields a gum, and is a dye plant. The leaves are used in tanning, as is the bark of P. nepal ens is . The wood of the former is durable under water and used in India for well work, and for furniture. It makes good charcoal. †phyl-lar-ỹ, s. [Gr. phyllarion =a little leaf.) Bot.: A leaflet constituting part of the involucre of a composite flower.