Accession #: 201200024
Accession Date: 2012-03-29
Common name: Sweet Leaf, Star Gooseberry, Katuk
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia
Description: A shrub with long upright or falling over principal trunks reaching up to 3.5 m in height, but is kept much lower in cultivation. It has side branches appearing to be pinnately divided branches, but with rose to carmine radiate flowers on the underside, a white or pinkish fruit opening at ripening to release three black seed. 1
Uses: Tender young shoots and stripped leaves, often together with the flowers and fruits, are consumed as cooked vegetables or as raw greens. Consuming large quantities of raw plant material can cause serious lung damage. Leaves are used for dying food and they can also be used as feed for cattle and poultry. The small, white fruits are sometimes comfited into a sweetmeal. Leaves and roots have medicinal properties. It can be planted as a living fence.<sup>1</sup>
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 9-11?
Source: Kartuz Greenhouses
Provenance:
Restrictions:
Culture:
warm, humid environment, never dry, prefers shade