TreeCultivatedPerennialMedicinal

Phyllanthus emblica L.

Amla · Indian gooseberry

Synonym: Emblica officinalis Gaertn

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Description

Phyllanthus emblica is a medium-sized deciduous tree, usually 8–18 m tall, with a short trunk and spreading rounded crown. Bark is grey-brown, smooth to slightly exfoliating, and peels in irregular flakes with age. Young branches are slender and often arranged in a feathery pattern. Leaves are simple but appearing compound due to phyllanthoid branching, arranged densely along small branchlets. Individual leaves are linear-oblong, usually 1–2 cm long, with entire margins, rounded apex, and closely arranged in two rows along branchlets. The foliage resembles a pinnate compound leaf. Flowers are small, unisexual, greenish-yellow, and borne in axillary clusters. Male flowers are numerous, while female flowers are fewer and usually located on lower portions of branches. Flowers have six perianth segments, several stamens, and a superior trilocular ovary. Fruits are large globose berries, about 2–4 cm diameter, pale green to yellowish, smooth, and fleshy. The fruit contains a hard stone-like seed surrounded by six longitudinal grooves.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Medium-sized deciduous tree. Feathery appearance of branches. Numerous tiny leaves arranged closely. Grey smooth bark.

Floral

Small greenish-yellow unisexual flowers. Monoecious condition.

Fruit & Seed

Round green-yellow berry. Sour and highly acidic fruit. Six longitudinal segments.

Distribution

Native range: Native to Indian subcontinent.

In Pakistan: Widely distributed in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. Cultivated throughout Pakistan.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: March–May Fruiting: October–February

Ethnobotany & Uses

Food Importance

Fruits are edible and highly valued. Rich in Vitamin C, Polyphenols, Antioxidants. Used as Fresh fruit, Pickles, Candies, Juices, Herbal preparations.

Medicinal Importance

Amla is one of the most important medicinal plants in South Asian traditional systems. Fruits used for Digestive disorders, Immunity enhancement, General health tonics, Leaves and Bark. Used traditionally for Inflammation, Skin problems.

Pharmacological Importance

Reported activities include Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Antidiabetic potential, Hepatoprotective activity. Important compounds Emblicanin A and B, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Flavonoids.

Economic Importance

Used in Herbal industries, Nutraceutical products, Cosmetics, Ayurvedic medicine.

Ecological Importance

Drought-tolerant native tree. Provides habitat and food for birds.

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Where it grows on campus

East-South-East Campus1

individuals mapped across 1 zone

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Taxonomic Notes

Phyllanthus emblica is one of the most economically important members of Phyllanthaceae.