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Phyllanthus
acidus (L.) Skeels
Synonym : Averrhoa acida L.
Family
: Euphorbiaceae
Local Names
: Sheemanelli, Arinelli, Star
Gooseberry
Flowering
and fruiting period:
December – August
Distribution: Probably native of Brazil
Habitat: Cultivated
IUCN
status:
Data Deficient
Endemic:
Uses: Fruits edible, ayurvedic. The root is an active purgative. An infusion of the root is taken to
alleviate asthma. An infusion of the leaves is used as a dieting aid. The latex
is credited with emetic and purgative activity. A decoction of the bark is used
to treat bronchial catarrh. The fruit is used as a laxative. They are also
taken as a liver tonic to enrich the blood. The juice of the fruit is instilled
in the eyes to treat eye-troubles. The bark is used in India as a tanning
agent. An extract from the plant has shown nematicidal activity.
Key
Characters:
Small monoecious trees, to 5 m high.
Leaves distichous, elliptic to obovate;
