Pilea microphylla   

Pilea microphylla's description

The plant is an evergreen, ground-covering annual to short-lived perennial plant forming a dense mat of growth around 30cm high and up to 60cm wide. The plant is somtimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. An attractive plant with its fern-like appearance, it is often grown as a ground-cover in ornamental gardens and is also grown as a house plant in cooler zones.

Pilea microphylla's facts

• Pilea microphylla has been introduced to various tropical and subptropical regions around the world. It is considered an invasive species

Pilea microphylla's Behavior & Ecology

Direct sunlight causes the leaves to turn brown and fall off, so it prefers filtered light. Requires a moist but well-drained soil, and can tolerate short periods of soil inundation. Tolerant of a range of soil types. Male flowers explosively discharge pollen into the air, hence one of the common names for this plant of 'artillery plant'

Pilea microphylla's Reproduction

Pilea microphylla can be propagated by dividing the root ball, or taking herbaceous cuttings and rooting them with rooting hormone. The plant enjoys a thorough watering after the soil has been allowed to dry, and misting has been shown to be beneficial. 

Pilea microphylla's Relationship with Humans

In Maldives this plant can be seen in the gardens. In some countries it is known that this plant is used as medicinal purposes, An infusion of the entire plant is used as a diuretic. The crushed leaves are applied commonly to sores and bruises to heal them