The word "artillery plant" is spelled /ɑrˈtɪləri plænt/. The first syllable is pronounced with the "ar" sound, as in "car." The second syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound, as in "in." The third syllable is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, and the "l" sound before the second "i" is silent. The final syllable is pronounced with the same short "a" sound as in "cat." This plant gets its name from the explosive motion it makes when its seeds are released.
The term "artillery plant" refers to a type of plant species scientifically known as Pilea microphylla. Also commonly known as the artillery fern or artillery moss, it is a small perennial plant that belongs to the family Urticaceae. Native to the West Indies and parts of Central and South America, the artillery plant has gained popularity as a decorative indoor and outdoor plant due to its visually appealing appearance and unique characteristics.
Artillery plants typically feature small, fern-like leaves that are bright green in color. These leaves grow densely on slender, wiry, and arching stems, forming a bushy and delicate appearance. One distinctive feature of this plant is its way of dispersing pollen. Tiny, white or green flowers called inflorescences are produced and, upon maturity, they release the pollen with explosive force, similar to the sound of a firing artillery. This explosive dispersal mechanism gives the plant its common name, "artillery plant."
The artillery plant generally prefers moderate to high levels of indirect sunlight and moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is primarily propagated through stem cuttings or division. Due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to adapt to different conditions, it has become a popular choice for household and office plants, hanging baskets, and terrariums.
Overall, the artillery plant is renowned for its aesthetic appeal, small-sized leaves, and unique reproductive mechanism, making it a fascinating addition to green spaces and indoor environments.
The word artillery plant is derived from its characteristic behavior of shooting seeds from its fruits. It belongs to the genus Pilea, primarily Pilea microphylla. The name artillery plant was coined due to the resemblance of the seed dispersal mechanism to tiny artillery shells being fired. When the fruit capsules of the plant dry out, they release seeds with a burst-like action, propelling them several feet away. The explosive nature of the seed dispersal earned it the name artillery plant.