Phyllanthus occidentalis

Thyme spurge

Phyllanthus occidentalis

Phyllanthus occidentalis

Thyme spurge

Phyllanthus occidentalis

Description.
A compact shrub to 1 metre in height, though often much less. The small, sparse leaves are arranged in alternating columns on opposite sides of the stem. Leaves are usually oblong in shape, hairy, and noticeably curved at the margins and tips. Flowers are small and creamy-yellow. Male and female flowers are held on separate plants. Male plants produce larger flower clusters. Flowers are followed by green fruits which contain irregularly shaped brown-black or purple-black seeds.
Propagation.
Seed germinates without pre-treatment but this may take months. Germination rates are often low. Cuttings of firm material may also work.
Flowering.
Chiefly September. May flower year round.
Locations.
Occurs in Livingstone NP and SCA, and The Rock NR and TSR. Roadside populations occur near The Rock TSR.
Extra Notes.
Some sources regard these populations as Phyllanthus hirtellus, not P. occidentalis. Phyllanthus hirtellus has sparsely hairy and flattish leaves and is more common east of the Great Dividing Range.

Based on the flora of the Graham Centre Biodiversity Nursery