Native & adapted

Amla

Phyllanthus emblica

Also known as Indian gooseberry · Emblic · Amalaki · Nellikai

A graceful tree with feathery leaves and sour green fruit prized in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. Handles full Phoenix sun well once established.

EdibleFruitingHeat tolerantDeciduous

Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size

15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing

15 ft from other trees

Frost

Young trees damaged in the low 30s°F; mature trees survive brief dips to about 28°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 10–11; young trees need protection below the high 30s°F, mature trees take brief dips to about 28°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Late fall through winter.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Tolerates poor, alkaline and slightly salty soil.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Sunny spot with frost protection while young; container culture works for the first years.

Cold hardiness

Cover while young

No precise figure, but Morton reports Florida trees got freeze damage and bounced back remarkably well, and Indian growers protect only plants under about 3 years old from frost. Cover it for its first few winters, then let it ride.

Heat tolerance

Shade from late-afternoon sun

Mature trees in India handle 115°F summers and very dry, poor soil, which makes it one of the better fits here. Young plants must be shaded from hot sun and hot wind until about age 3.

Sources:

hort.purdue.edu , vikaspedia.in

Right plant, right place

Will Amla grow at your Arizona property?

Drops leaves briefly in the cool season. Start in a pot and plant out once it is a few feet tall.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Full sun.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate. Deep water weekly in summer; drought tolerant once established.

Fruit set

Pollination

Fruit set improves with a second variety nearby.

Harvest

How to use it

Very sour and astringent. Pickled, candied, juiced or cooked into chutney and preserves.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Amla thrive

1
Protect young trees whenever nights fall into the 30s°F.
2
Water deeply and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
3
Prune lightly to shape after harvest.
4
Plant two varieties for better fruit set.

Read the horticultural reference ↗