Phyllanthus amarus, commonly known as Gale of the Wind or Stonebreaker, is an annual herb native to tropical rainforests and areas with a seasonally wet climate. It is found in regions such as the Amazon Basin, Caribbean, and parts of Asia and Africa. This plant typically grows up to 24 inches tall and features small, elliptic, green leaves arranged in two rows along its slender, green stems. The tiny, star-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers bloom throughout the year, depending on the climate, and are not particularly showy. Phyllanthus amarus produces small, green fruits that turn brown when ripe.

Gale of the Wind is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine systems where it is used to treat a variety of ailments, including kidney stones, hence the name Stonebreaker. It is easy to grow and maintain, thriving in full sun to part shade, and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. In cultivation, it can be used as a ground cover or for border planting in tropical and subtropical gardens. However, it is potentially invasive in some regions due to its ability to self-seed prolifically. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0