Chamber bitter - Phyllanthus urinaria (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Chamber bitter

Also known as: Leafflower, Stonebreaker

Chamber bitter is blooms in summer. Its striking branched leaf pattern makes it an attractive ornamental, but it is a weedy plant that takes careful management to stop its seeds from spreading to unwanted areas. It is considered invasive in the southern United States.

Scientific classification

Species

Chamber bitter (Phyllanthus urinaria)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 mm

Flower Size

Red, Green, Burgundy

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Red, Green, Pink, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Images of Chamber bitter

Distribution of Chamber bitter

Distribution Map

Chamber bitter is native to Tropical and Subtropical Asia and North Australia, so it naturally resides in warm, temperate climates. It's been introduced to South America, Africa, Europe, and North America. In the latter region, chamber bitter is an invasive species in some states and a noxious weed in others. This is because it's highly adaptable, so it can take over a range of habitats.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry fields, roadsides, wastelands, forest margins

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Chamber bitter is generally grown in the field and cultivated as a Chinese herbal medicine.

Symbolism

Many sons and many blessings

Interesting Facts

It is said that a mother and son lived together to keep each other company. The son traveled a far distance to earn a living for them, and the mother would wait in the place where they parted all day and all night. She would get sad and burst into tears. Gradually, the weeds in the place where she waited grew fruit that looked like teardrops. She believed this was proof that her son was missing her.

Name Story

Chamber bitter: This plant is an annoying weed, it tends to appear suddenly in your yard or garden. The worst part is that once it spreads to your garden, it will become difficult to completely remove it. Therefore, the name chamber bitter is given to this plant with a sense of ridicule.

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Weed Control

Chamber bitter is a weed found in most of the U.S. but thrives in southeastern states and is considered an agricultural and environmental weed in the tropics in fields, lawns and disturbed areas. It is listed as an invasive species and noxious weed in Alabama and is a headache for homeowners as well as pasture owners. Its aggressive nature makes it difficult to contain, and it can become ground cover by crowding out other plants, eliminating their access to moisture and nutrients. Hand pulling from moist soil is the best removal strategy or use of a pre-emergence herbicide to kill the entire plant including its roots.

How to Control It

The best season to remove chamber bitter is during the spring season, before the weed has started to produce seeds. Here are some interesting organic methods for removing or controlling chamber bitter:

Hand Pulling: This is the basic and most eco-friendly way to control chamber bitter. Simply wear garden gloves, grasp each weed near the base where it comes out of the ground, and pull up with a firm, steady pressure.
Smothering: Smothering can keep chamber bitter from getting the light it needs to grow. Spread out a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard over the plant, then cover this layer with mulch or topsoil.
Planting Ground Cover: Planting fast-growing ground cover plants can help crowd out chamber bitter. Choose plants that are adapted to your climate and soil conditions for the best results.
Vinegar Spray: Ordinary household vinegar can help control chamber bitter. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Spray the mixture on the leaves of the plant during the hottest part of the day.
Solarization: This method uses the sun's heat to kill weeds like chamber bitter. Water the area where the weed is growing, then cover it with a clear plastic tarp. Leave the tarp in place for at least 6 weeks during the hottest part of summer.

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Quickly Identify Chamber bitter

Short oblong leaves, 1/2-3/4 inch (1.3-1.9 cm) long, with reddish-green underside.

Branching crimson red stems, thin at 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) diameter.

Greenish-white hidden flowers with sessile round fruit at leaf axils.

Berry-like fruit, 0.12 inches (3 mm) diameter, textured with raised scales.

Male and female flowers coexist, growing singly with mild fragrance.

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Care Guide for Chamber bitter

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from tropical regions, chamber bitter prefers consistent moisture and regular hydration, ideally watered weekly. This herbaceous plant thrives outdoors, with its growth cycle linked to water availability and warm temperatures, benefiting from the natural rainfall of its native habitat.

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Images of Chamber bitter

Distribution of Chamber bitter

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Chamber bitter

Care Guide for Chamber bitter

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