Phyllanthus emblica L., Sp. Pl. (1753)

Synonyms
Cicca emblica (L.) Kurz
Diasperus emblica (L.) Kuntze
Dichelactina nodicaulis Hance
Emblica arborea Raf.
Emblica officinalis Gaertn.
Phyllanthus glomeratus Roxb. ex Wall. [Invalid]
Phyllanthus mairei H.Lev.
Phyllanthus mimosifolius Salisb.
Phyllanthus taxifolius D.Don

Description
Mid-canopy tree up to 32 m tall and 87 cm dbh. Stipules ca. 0.5 mm long. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, very small and narrow. Flowers ca. 3 mm diameter, white, placed in axillary bundles. Fruits ca. 20 mm diameter, green-yellow, fleshy capsules.

Ecology
In mixed dipterocarp and open coastal forests up to 800 m altitude. Often on disturbed sites with sandy soils, but also on clay.

Uses
Wood used for construction, furniture and firewood. The fruits are edible.

Distribution
From India, Sri Lanka, southern China to New Guinea and New Caledonia. In Borneo found in Sarawak, Sabah, West-, South- and East-Kalimantan.

Local names
Borneo: Belimbing usu.