Otaheite gooseberry

Otaheite Gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus), also known as the Malay Gooseberry, Country Gooseberry, Star Gooseberry, Starberry, West India Gooseberry, or simply Gooseberry Tree, is a fruit-bearing tree of the Phyllanthaceae family. It is native to Madagascar and has been naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Description

The Otaheite Gooseberry tree is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 2-9 meters in height. The tree is well-known for its dense, bushy growth and its distinctive, layered branches. The leaves are green and glossy, arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches. The flowers are small and pink, appearing in clusters.

The fruit of the Otaheite Gooseberry tree is small, round, and typically yellow or green in color. It has a tart, acidic taste and is rich in Vitamin C. The fruit is often used in cooking, particularly in pickles, jams, and chutneys, and is also eaten raw.

Cultivation

Otaheite Gooseberry trees are typically grown from seeds, but can also be propagated from cuttings. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and are relatively drought-tolerant once established. The trees begin to bear fruit after 3-4 years, and can produce fruit for up to 15 years.

Uses

In addition to its culinary uses, the Otaheite Gooseberry has a number of medicinal uses. In Ayurvedic medicine, the fruit is used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, inflammation, and skin diseases. The leaves and bark of the tree are also used in traditional medicine.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• List of medicinal plants

References

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