The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The fruit are nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows.  In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable. It is also used to straighten hair.

The amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fibre, minerals and vitamins. It also contains Gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol. 100 Gms of amla contains - 700 mg Vitamin C. If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained. Amla helps is several ailments including diabetes, gall bladder infections, cholesterol hair problems, lethargy, etc. It is considered to be nature's best antioxidant.