Indian Gooseberry
Phyllanthus emblica
Name
| Marathi: | आवळा |
Biological Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Spermatophyta |
| Sub-Division: | Angiospermae |
| Class: | Dicotyledonae |
| Sub-Class: | Monochlamydeae |
| Series: | Unisexuales |
| Order: | -- |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Sub-Family: | -- |
| Genus: | Phyllanthus |
| Species: | emblica |
Advantages
- It is one of the constituents of the Triphala Churna, the other two being Herda (Beleric Myrobalan) and Beheda (Chebulic Myrobalan).
- The fruit has great medicinal properties and is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C.
Interesting Facts
The specific name "emblica" is derived from the Sanskrit word "amalika" which means "Sour" and the generic name "Phyllanthus" in Greek refers to the way the flowers seem to grow on the leaves.
Description
- It is a small, deciduous tree, with linear and small leaves.
- It bears separate male and female flowers usually in the months of February to May.
- It is now placed under separate Family Phyllanthaceae based on its morphology.
- Phyllanthus emblica L.
