Ber Fruit, Ziziphus mauritiana (Grafted) – Plant

The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches.

Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and it is quite fibrous. 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.

Planting
The pits of 1 m3 are to be dug during May-June at a distance of 4.5 m x 4.5 m spacing and should be left for 15-20 days exposing to sunlight. Each pit should be filled with surface soil mixed with 15 kg farm yard manure and 0.5 kg of phosphorus before planting the budded seedling.

Irrigation
Young  plants require watering during summer months at 15 days interval till they are  fully established. Watering of  bearing plants is advised during summer months at bi-weekly interval.

Harvesting
Amla tree starts bearing after about 4-5 years of planting. The fruits are harvested during February when they become dull greenish yellow from light green. The mature fruits are hard and they do not fall at gentle touch and therefore vigorous shaking is required. Fruits can also be harvested using long bamboo poles attached with hooks.