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bitter gooseberry
Scientific Name: Ribes amarum
Family: Grossulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) and Bitter Gooseberry (Ribes amarum)
This page provides information about two plants commonly referred to as "gooseberry": the Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) and the Bitter Gooseberry (Ribes amarum). While both share a common name, they are distinct species with different characteristics and uses.
Considerations for Pets
- Bitter Taste: Both Indian Gooseberry and Bitter Gooseberry are noted for their bitter taste, which might deter some pets from consuming large quantities.
Considerations for Children
- Bitter Taste: The bitter flavor of both gooseberry species might not be appealing to children.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Phyllanthus emblica: Commonly known as emblic, emblic myrobalan, myrobalan, Indian gooseberry, Malacca tree, or amla (from Sanskrit amalika). In Hindi, it's also known as Awla or Amla. In South India, it's called Nellikai.
- Ribes amarum: Commonly known as Bitter Gooseberry.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Phyllanthus emblica: Belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. Synonyms include Emblica officinalis.
- Ribes amarum: Belongs to the family Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry).
Distribution and Habitat
- Ribes amarum: Found in shaded woodlands and chaparral at higher elevations, particularly in California.
- Phyllanthus emblica: It's identified mainly in India in addition to exotic Southeast Asia and commonly grown in the southern regions of India.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Phyllanthus emblica: It is a deciduous tree that is small or middle-sized. It has small, closely set leaves (10 to 13 mm long). The branches appear feathery.
- Ribes amarum: An erect summer-deciduous shrub, typically growing from 3 to 6 feet tall. It has red and white flowers and shiny dark green leaves.
Traditional Uses and Health Benefits
- Phyllanthus emblica: Also known as amla, is frequently used in Ayurvedic preparations and Unani system of medicine. It is considered a nutritive tonic, blood purifier and restorative. In ancient Ayurveda, it was considered a miraculous food due to its abundance of vitamin C.
Quirky Facts
- The antioxidant value of Indian Gooseberry (Amla Berries), Dried, is described in ORAC units as: 261,500 μ mol TE/100g (excluding spices).