Tree 23 - The Indian Gooseberry Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

‘Amala' or the Indian gooseberry
Belongs to the Berry family.
They grow on trees in bunches,
Light parrot green in colour
Rounded in shape with cleaves,
Thick and fleshy fruit,
Enclosing a hard nut,
So attractive like a green lollipop.

Berries are small fruits
Beautiful to look at
Pinky pink strawberries
Pink and Violet mulberries
Purple grape like Cranberries,
Little plum like blue berries.
They are all soft, juicy fruits
Without a stony nut inside the fruit.

The Indian Gooseberry is a different kind
Unlike the other Berries
That are soft, seedless and pulpy.
All berries are delicious fruits,
Yet, Gooseberry with its
Bitter, tangy, sweet taste,
Stands superior as a fruit,
Most valuable and nutritional.

The Indian Ayurveda
System of Medicine
Hails Gooseberry as
A wonder among many medicines.
They are the highest source of Vitamin C.
Besides being an essential supplement,
They are effective cure for many maladies.