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<big>''[[Phyllanthus emblica]]'' L.</big>

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Phyllanthus emblica'' (PROTA)}}

:Protologue: Sp. pl. 2: 982 (1753).

== Synonyms ==

== Vernacular names ==

== Origin and geographic distribution ==

The fruits are edible but rarely eaten raw because they are astringent and sour. They are usually made into jam, jelly or syrup, or prepared in cooked food, or as sweetmeat and pickle. Leaves and fruits are used for animal fodder, whereas leaves can also be applied as green manure. Although the wood may warp and split, it is used for the construction of furniture and implements and it is very durable when submerged in water. The wood is also suitable as firewood and produces charcoal of good quality. All parts of ''Phyllanthus emblica'' are used medicinally with a vast range of applications. The plant is considered to have antiscorbutic, refreshing, diuretic, laxative and antibiotic properties and to be useful in the treatment of haemorrhages, diarrhoea, dysentery, anaemia, jaundice, dyspepsia, diabetes, fever, bronchitis and cough. A standardized extract of ''Phyllanthus emblica'' is traded in the United States as a component of anti-ageing, sunscreen and general-purpose skin care products.

== Properties ==

''Phyllanthus'' is a large genus comprising about 750 species in tropical and subtropical regions, with about 150 species in tropical Africa and about 60 in Madagascar. The feathery leafy and deciduous branchlets of several ''Phyllanthus'' spp. including ''Phyllanthus emblica'', resemble pinnate leaves, for instance those of ''Parkia'' species.

== Ecology ==

In its natural distribution area ''Phyllanthus emblica'' is a light-demanding species, often common in grassy areas, brush and village groves. It is photosensitive, only producing flowers at a daylength between 12 and 13.5 hours. It occurs from almost sea-level up to 1500 m altitude. The tree is slightly tolerant of alkaline soils and rather drought resistant, but some cultivars are sensitive to drought and frost. It is fire-resistant and is one of the first trees to recover after a fire. The tree is rather slow-growing. It usually starts bearing fruits when at least 8 years old, but sometimes trees start producing fruits when 5–6 years old. In many areas, full-grown trees are rare as a result of slow growth and exploitation.

== Management ==

The bark of shoots less than 5 cm in diameter is used to obtain a good tannin. Usually branches can be coppiced every 2 years. Quickly-dried bark contains much more tannin than slowly-dried bark. Therefore it has been recommended to dry the bark rapidly in the sun.

== Genetic resources ==

== Author(s) ==

== Correct citation of this article ==

[[fr:{{PAGENAME}}]]

[[Category:PROTA prov]]