Phyllanthus acidus (Otaheite Gooseberry)
Phyllanthus acidus
Botanical names: Phyllanthus acidus, Phyllanthus distichus
Common names: Otaheite Gooseberry, Amlak, Grosella, Gooseberry tree
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Origin: South Asia







Small tropical tree, to 20 feet, leaves are compound with numerous pinnate leaflets. Fruits are borne in loose clusters, which hang from the tree trunk and main branches. Individual fruits are up to 0.75 inch in diameter, near globose and angled. Fruits are generally too tart for fresh eating but are esteemed for jellies, preserves and pastries. They ripen in midsummer. There are no commercial plantings; but trees are in home gardens, and fruit is harvested from naturalized trees.
Phyllanthus acidus is called Ari Nelli in Tamil, and the Phyllanthus emblica (Amlaki) is Muzhu Nelli in Tamil. Muzhu Nelli is even richer in Vitamin C etc.
Similar plants: Phyllanthus acidus (Otaheite Gooseberry)
- Emblica officinalis (Indian Gooseberry)
- Epiphyllum hookeri (Climbing Cactus)
- Glochidion macrocarpum (Glochidion)
- Phyllanthus angustifolius (Foliage Flower)
- Phyllanthus arbuscula (Phyllanthus )
- Phyllanthus latifolius (Phyllanthus)
- Phyllanthus mirabilis (Dragon Wings)
- Phyllanthus pectinatus (Melaka Tree)
- Phyllanthus pulcher (Phyllanthus pulcher)
- Phyllanthus sp. (Phyllanthus)
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/phyllanthus_acidus.htm