Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels.
| Kannada Name : | - |
| Common Name : | Malay gooseberry, Star gooseberry |
| Family Name : | Phyllanthaceae |
| Scientific Name : | Phyllanthus acidus |
| Species Type : | Exotic |
| Phenology : | Deciduous |
| Conservation Status : | Not known |
| Flowering Period : | April - May |
| Fruiting Period : | June - August |
| Origin : | Madagascar, South Asia |
Uses
An extract from the root is used to cure skin diseases especially to bring relief from itching. The fruit is used as a laxative. They are also taken as a liver tonic to enrich the blood.
Description
A small deciduous, monoecious tree or shrub, reaching 2 to 9 m in height. The leaves are ovate or lanceolate, glabrous, base obtuse or rounded, apex acute, margin entire. Inflorescence an axillary cymule, rarely cauliflorous. Flowers male, female or bisexual, small and pinkish. Fruit a drupe, oblate, with 6 to 8 ribs, pale yellow to creamish-white, waxy, crisp, juicy and very sour. Seeds 4 to 6.
