Phyllanthus maderaspatensis is a perennial herbaceous species of plant in the family Phyllanthaceae, widespread in tropical and subtropical areas of the Old World, including tropical Africa, Madagascar and the western Indian Ocean Islands, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, southeastern China, Java, New Guinea, and northern and eastern Australia.
Varieties Three varieties are accepted. Phyllanthus maderaspatensis var. exasperata – Kenya Phyllanthus maderaspatensis var. frazieri – Aldabra Phyllanthus maderaspatensis var. maderaspatensis – tropical Africa, Madagascar and the western Indian Ocean Islands, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, southeastern China, Java, New Guinea, and northern and eastern Australia
Uses India The plant is widely used in Indian medicine for treatment of headaches. Indian herbal medicine for liver troubles called Bhumyamlaki might use the plant. Africa Tanzania The pounded form of the whole plant is applied to scabies. Niger The plant is used as an aphrodisiac. Kenya The smoke from the burning plants is used to exterminate caterpillars in maize. References