Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, grows throughout the country in deciduous forest and hill slopes up to an altitude of 900 meters and is also cultivated in plains  for commercial purpose. This medium sized tree can grow up to 10- 15  meters in height and produces round and juice fruits. The leaves are used to treat conjunctivitis, inflammation and diarrhoea. The fruits are used in wide range of disorders including colic, ulcers, diarrhoea, and cardiac disorders.

A fascinating aspect of the fruit is that at first taste they are intensely sour and astringent, but as the juices mix with saliva people experience a pleasant sweet taste in the mouth!  Gooseberry is also used famously as an ingredient for pickles in Kerala cuisine.