Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), the revered Indian Gooseberry, is a small to medium deciduous tree bearing translucent, pale-green sour fruits packed with vitamin C. With its feathery, fine foliage it offers light shade and a graceful form, while its tart fruits are a cornerstone of Ayurveda and Indian kitchens alike. Amla is used in chyawanprash, hair oils, pickles, juices and tonics for immunity, digestion, hair and skin. Hardy and long-lived, it tolerates heat, poor soils and drought, fruiting reliably across most of India. It is an excellent, low-maintenance fruit tree for home gardens and orchards.
Specifications
| Family |
Phyllanthaceae |
| Native region |
Indian subcontinent |
| Mature height |
8-18 m |
| Mature spread |
4-8 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate |
| Foliage |
Fine feathery green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Greenish-yellow |
| Flower season |
Spring |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun |
| Watering |
Moderate; drought-tolerant when mature |
| Soil / mix |
Tolerates poor, dry and alkaline soils |
| Temperature |
Heat-tolerant; survives mild frost |
| Humidity |
Low to moderate |
| Fertilizer |
Organic manure twice a year |
| Pruning |
Remove dead wood; shape in winter |
| Repotting |
Plant in ground; large pots only when young |
| Propagation |
Grafting or seeds |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for bark-eating caterpillar, gall |
| Toxicity / safety |
Edible and non-toxic |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
A premier Ayurvedic fruit for immunity, digestion, hair and skin, eaten fresh or used in chyawanprash, murabba, juices, pickles and hair oils. Also valued as a hardy shade and orchard tree.
Growing tips
Plant in full sun in any well-drained soil; mature trees withstand heat and drought across India. For reliable, true-to-type fruit, choose a grafted variety rather than a seedling.