Jobillo gooseberry tree
Phyllanthus acuminatus

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 8 m tall. There are 8-20 small branches each 5-25 cm long. These have 7-20 leaves. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are narrowly oval and 2-5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The flowering shoots are in the axils of leaves near the ends of branches. The flowers are small. The fruit are capsules 5 mm across with 3 lobes. The seeds are 2.5 mm long. They are smooth and reddish-brown.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows near the coast and along shorelines. In Argentina it grows between 400-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Paraguay, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Pohon jobillo

Synonyms

Diasperus acuminatus (Vahl) Kuntze; Phyllanthus averrhoifolius Steud.; and others