Phyllanthus androgynus, commonly known as katuk, sweet leaf, or star gooseberry leaf, is a perennial shrub in the family Phyllanthaceae. The genus name Phyllanthus derives from Greek phyllon (“leaf”) and anthos (“flower”), referring to the leaf-like appearance of its flowering branches. The species epithet androgynus means “male-female” in Greek, reflecting its floral structures. It is native to tropical Asia, especially Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, and has been cultivated throughout Southeast Asia, India, and southern China. The plant is highly valued as a leafy green vegetable, notable for its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content, making it an important subsistence and kitchen-garden crop.

The tender young leaves and shoots are eaten raw, stir-fried, or cooked in soups and curries. In Indonesia and Malaysia, katuk is a common backyard plant, and in Thai cuisine, it is used in clear soups. Traditionally, it has also been employed in folk medicine for lactation stimulation, fever reduction, and respiratory ailments. However, excessive consumption of raw or concentrated juice has been linked to pulmonary toxicity due to certain alkaloids.