Phyllanthus reticulatus Seeds - Roast Potato Plant - Indigenous Shrub or Small Tree

Phyllanthus reticulatus commonly known as Potato Plant or Roast Potato Plant in English and Aartappelbos in Afrikaans is usually a dense deciduous shrub or small tree with a distinct smell that is emitted by the minute flowers when they open towards the early evening. This is one of the fascinating characteristic smells of Africa. Despite its name, this plant which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae is not at all related to the true potato which belongs to the family Solanaceae. Phyllanthus reticulatus is a many branched shrub, sometimes partially scrambling, usually 1-5 m high, or a small twiggy tree that grows up to 8 m in height. The bark is light reddish-brown or grey-brown with hairy stems when young, which become smooth with age. From Zambia, it is reported that the plant is used as a remedy for anaemia and intestinal haemorrhage while roots and fruit are reported to have been used for criminal poisoning in Zambia.

Several tribes as well as the European farmers use the powdered leaf as a local application for sores, burns and venereal sores. The bark and leaf are used as a diuretic. In Zululand, root bark infusions are taken as emetics or used as bathing charms to conceal secrets from diviners (Palmer and Pitman, 1972b). The Zulus also believe that they can improve their vision by mixing other ingredients, such as the root-bark of the green thorn (Balanites maughami), with this plant and stirring vigorously three times a day to produce froth. The froth is then carefully licked off without using the hands. The frayed twig can be used as a toothbrush. The root is used to make a dark brown to black dye and is often used to colour fishing lines, making them less conspicuous in the water.