Phyllanthus emblica ( Indian Gooseberry ) is a small to medium deciduous fruiting tree that is native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China & South-East Asia. Generally reaching no taller than 10 metres, it can be slow growing and often stay as small as 1-2 metres in height, therefore some categorise this species as a shrub.
The Indian Gooseberry gets its popularity for several reasons, its edible fruit, its religious significance in some cultures and for its many medicinal uses.
Some other common names for Phyllanthus emblica are Emblica officinalis, Amla, Malacca, Dhatri, Nelli, Amloki, Emblic & Myrobalan. Indian Gooseberry has also been labelled the ‘King of Medicinal Plants’.
Although the fruit is edible raw, it is quite acidic and astringent. For this reason, it is often served with sugar. Commonly the fruit is used to make jams & chutneys. The leaves and seeds of this species are also edible.
Medicinally this plant has been studied quite heavily and has way too many potential benefits to list here. Some of the standout uses are as a heart protectant, an antioxidant, blood purifier, water purifier, anti-diabetic properties, liver protectant, anti-inflammatory, for headache & migraine relief and has even shown benefits in anti-cancer research! For a more in-depth evaluation of some of the benefits of this species click here.
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Growth
The Indian Gooseberry is quite unusual in its growth, as it can stay almost shrub like at 1-2 metres in height or grow into a very decently sized tree of up to 15+ metres. The young leaves are light green and darken up as they mature, they are oblong & pinnate. The fruit ripens in Autumn, is green and can grow up to approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) in circumference.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Phyllanthaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry-Arid, Sub Tropical, Tropical. Can be found at altitudes of 2300m in China.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-1°C to 35°C / 30 to 95°F. Can be frost sensitive, quite drought tolerant.
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, 50/50 sand and soil. Copes with some clay.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Average of 2-10 metres (6-30 feet)
WIDTH:
Average of up to 5 metres (15 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium. Drought tolerant once established.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees. Male and female flowers are present on the plant: monoecious.
MATURITY:
5-8 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
40-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
30-90 days
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium, patience is required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 26
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT PHYLLANTHUS EMBLICA ( Indian Gooseberry )
The tree is considered sacred by Hindus and is believed to have been germinated from the tears of one of their deities Vishna.
Some cultures believe the Amla Tree was the first tree to have ever grown on earth. The fruit in India has long been associated with assisting in living a long life.
Indian Gooseberries are commonly used in hair tonics and shampoos.
