Phyllanthus emblica L., Sp. Pl. (1753)
Named after the local name of this species 'amlaki' in Bengal (India).

Synonyms
Cicca emblica (L.) Kurz, Emblica officinalis Gaertn.

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 in Borneo
Belimbing usu.