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Artillery plant

How to identify Artillery plant (Pilea microphylla)

Artillery plant, also known as Artillery weed, Pistol plant

Artillery plant displays a lush mat of tiny, bright green leaves on delicate, spreading stems that lend a soft, fine-textured appearance. The leaf forms are typically ovoid to lanceolate, measuring around 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in length. This small-statured plant often showcases its discreet charm in clusters, as it rarely rises above 12 inches (30 cm) in height. When conditions are right, artillery plant might produce small, inconspicuous flowers that add to its overall dainty presentation. Its ability to spread horizontally makes it a suitable choice for creating a dense, vegetative layer in suitable environments.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Artillery plant

1

Lush mat of bright green, ovoid to lanceolate leaves (0.5 inches / 1.27 cm) on spreading stems.

2

Low height rarely exceeding 12 inches (30 cm), suitable for clusters and dense vegetative layer.

3

Small, inconspicuous flowers (0.1 inches / 2-3 mm) in leaf axils, lacking scent, integral plant component.

4

Fleshy, lanceolate to spatulate leaves (0.6 - 1.2 cm / 0.24 - 0.47 inches) with succulent texture.

5

Simple vein pattern with central midrib, bright green color contributing to delicate appearance.

Artillery plantArtillery plantArtillery plantArtillery plantArtillery plant

Detailed Traits of Artillery plant

Leaf Features

Artillery plant features small, fleshy leaves that are lanceolate to spatulate in shape, with smooth edges. Each leaf measures between 0.6 and 1.2 cm (0.24 - 0.47 inches) in length. The leaves are bright green, with a succulent texture that aids in water retention. They exhibit a simple vein pattern with a central midrib and minor veins branching outwards. These tiny leaves are a hallmark of artillery plant, providing a distinct, delicate appearance.

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Leaf Texture

Succulent/Fleshy

Leaf Margin

Entire ,
Revolute

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
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Flower Features

The flowers of artillery plant are small and greenish to white, located in the leaf axils. They are typically inconspicuous, with a minute size of approximately 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) in diameter. The flowers lack a strong scent and exhibit a simple structure with minimal petal arrangement. Blooming occurs throughout the year in favorable climates, making these flowers an integral part of the plant's overall foliage display.

Artillery plant Flower image
Learn About the Flower Glossary
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Artillery plant and Their Similar Plants

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Key Facts About Artillery plant

Attributes of Artillery plant
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
17 cm
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
1 mm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Pink
Green
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Artillery plant

Family
Nettle
Icon allow
Species
Artillery plant (Pilea microphylla)
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Distribution Map of Artillery plant

The plant known as artillery plant is native to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean islands. It has been introduced to various regions across Asia, Africa, and Oceania, as well as some parts of Europe and South America. Artillery plant thrives primarily in tropical and subtropical climates and has established itself as an invasive species in several introduced areas.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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