Star gooseberry - Phyllanthus acidus

Description and Uses

Phyllanthus acidus (Star gooseberry) is a tropical tree from Amazone. It is mainly grown for its fruit crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is medium, its energetic value is 4900 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is ; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 40 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Phyllanthus acidus has a lifespan of 60 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 10 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Phyllanthus acidus has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is monoecious and is pollinated by bees.

Phyllanthus acidus thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 6°C and optimally between 21 - 32°C. The optimal rainfall is 2800 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 700 - 4200 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 9.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are recalcitrant and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 2950 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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