Phyllanthus emblica
Phyllanthus emblica (lat. Phyllanthus emblica) is a species of fruit trees of the genus Phyllanthus of the Phyllanthaceae family. Other names of the plant are Indian gooseberry, amalaki, emblik, amla, gray myrobalan.
The birthplace of the culture is Southeast Asia. Today, Phyllanthus emblica is cultivated in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Pikistan, Bangladesh, China and Sri Lanka.
Characteristics of culture
Phyllanthus emblica is a deciduous tree up to 30 m high. The bark is smooth, gray-brown. The leaves are oblong, narrow, up to 2 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous, unisexual, green, collected in racemose inflorescences located in the axils of the leaves. The fruits are greenish-yellow or orange, round, smooth, up to 3 cm in diameter, and have serrations at the base. The fruit pulp is juicy and crispy. The fruit contains 6 small seeds.
The fruits contain a huge amount of vitamins and other useful substances, including ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, carotene, riboflavin, calcium, iron, etc. Phyllanthus emblica seeds contain litholytic and proteolytic enzymes, as well as essential oil. The fruits of the plant are not eaten by animals and birds; they are well stored and transported.
Subtleties of reproduction and cultivation
Unfortunately, very little is known about the cultivation of this miraculous fruit crop. Phyllanthus emblica is propagated by seeds, but it is almost impossible to find them on sale. Most gardeners bring young trees from warm countries where this crop is grown. Rooting by cuttings is possible, but it does not provide a 100% guarantee.
Phyllanthus emblica is very demanding on soil conditions; it grows well only on loamy soils with the addition of sand and peat. A substrate composed of humus, loam and perlite (or vermiculite) is not prohibited. The plant has a positive attitude towards partial shade and does not need intense lighting. The optimal temperature for growing at home is 26-28C in summer, and 15-18C in winter.
Caring for the crop mainly involves regular and abundant watering. During the period of active growth, the soil should always be moist, but without stagnant water. With insufficient watering, plants begin to dry out, causing the leaves to become deformed and wrinkled or bunched along the central vein. Emblica grown indoors requires frequent fertilizing with mineral fertilizers (at least once every 2 weeks).
Application The fruits of phyllanthus emblica are used for the preparation of various drinks and juices, confectionery, jam, jams, jellies, as well as marinades, sauces and hot seasonings. The fruits have a bitter taste; to get rid of it, they are soaked in a special brine or unripe mango or citrus fruits are added.
Emblica is also used in folk medicine. In combination with other fruits and products, it gives an incredibly amazing healing effect. Infusions and medicinal lozenges from the fruit are used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, diarrhea, hemorrhage, diabetes mellitus and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Phyllanthus emblica is also used in cosmetology; various creams and masks for the body, face and hair are made from the fruits.
