A tall tree, with characteristic bark. The stems are straight, frequently buttressed when large; the leaves, broadly elliptic, clustered towards the ends of branches; the flowers are solitary, simple, axillary spikes; the fruits, are globular and obscurely 5-angled.

Anthelmintic, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, laxative, lithotriptic, rejuvenative, tonic.

King's American Dispensatory

ß- sitosterol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, galloyl glucose, chebulagic acid.

In dropsy, piles and diarrhea; in cases of myopia, corneal opacity, pterigium, immature cataract, chronic and acute infective conditions; as a tonic to brain and stomach.

Generally regarded as safe for everyday consumption.