Common name: Grosella, Otaheite Gooseberry, Gooseberry tree.
Botanical name: Phyllanthus acidus.
Family: Phylanthaceae.
Grosella grows in Caribbean, Central and South America, South Asia and most of the subtropical and tropical areas of the word. It is considered to be native to Madagascar. This plant is between shrub and tree, reaching 2-6m high. The leaves are green and smooth on the upper side, and blue-green on the lower side. The fruits are pale yellow and very sour.
The fruit is edible and used in different countries for pickles, fruit juice, candied in sugar or to make vinegar.
Grosella is also used medicinally. It is closely related to Amla, ayurvedic herb. It is very rich in vitamin C, A and some minerals, particularly potassium. The syrup is used to medicate the stomach and in India the fruit is taken as liver tonic, to enrich the blood.
Products containing grosella: Grosella extract.