Scientific Name: Phyllanthus australis

Common Name: southern spurge

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Form Description: Undershrub with a woody base and slender, wiry stems, leaves 3-7mm long.

Flowers: Small, in the axils, on slender stalks.

Fruit: Capsule – hard, 4-5mm in diameter, changes from green to brown when mature.

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral HighlandsClarenceDorsetGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSouthern MidlandsTasman
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

On roadsides and in open places, especially in the north, east and centre of the state.

General Notes

Grows in most soils.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
SeedCuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Can be propagated from fresh seed.

Seed Treatment Method

Smoke Smoke treatment improves germination in some species. Smokey products, e.g. smokey vermiculite, can be purchased and applied to the sown seed, or sown seeds can be treated directly with smoke from a source such as a drum with a fire and hose.

Seed Treatment Notes

Seed often is not viable, and may have poor germination. Smoke treatment may improve germination.

Cutting & Division Information

Can be propagated from cuttings.