Pilea microphylla

• Botanical Name : Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm.
• Synonyms : Parietaria microphylla L.
• Common Name : Artillery-Plant, Gunpowder Plant, Military Fern, Pistol Plant, Chanapatti
• Common Name Details :

  The plant is called Gun Powder plant because of the cloud of pollen discharged from the anthers when the hanging baskets or pots shaken.

• Plant Family : Urticaceae
• Plant Form : Herb
• Occurrence (Sectors) : 20

About Pilea microphylla Plant :

• Habit : A small, perennial herb.
• Leaves : Very small, about less than a quarter inch.
• Inflorescence : Axillary clusters
• Flowers :
  • Monoecious, very small, reddish.
  • Male flowers with sepals 3-4, stamens 3-4.
  • Female flowers with sepals 3, ovary triangular, stigma sessile, with 3 small staminodes.
• Fruit : Achene small.
• Flowering and Fruiting Time : May - September
• Significance :
  • It is generally cultivated in the gardens.
  • The plant is grown in pots or rockery for its beautiful, delicate, compact leaves.