Phyllanthus mirabilis

Phyllanthus mirabilis is a rare plant species belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family, native to Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It is one of the only four Phyllanthus species to be caudiciform, and the other caudiciform Phyllanthus species is Phyllanthus kaweesakii. The plant grows in rocky habitats, particularly on limestone mountains and cliffs. Its oval-shaped leaves are deep green with pale pink stripes on top and pale purple on the underside, and they fold together at night. The plant is easily identifiable, and its woody caudex accumulates water over time, allowing it to survive droughts. Its trunk has a tail-like shape with twisted branches that appear when it is still young, but disappear as it ages. This slow-growing tree or shrub needs regular watering to thrive and does best in abundant sunlight, should be placed less than 3 feet from a window.