Question

Botanical name of Amla is
a. Ocimum sanctum
b. Phyllanthus emblica
c. Saraca indica
d. Ficus benghalensis

Answer 1

Hint: Amla is a deciduous tree which belongs to kingdom Plantae, order Malpighiales and family Phyllanthaceae. The tree produces edible fruits which are quite small in size.

Complete answer:
The size of the amla tree ranges from small to medium. Its height generally reaches upto 25 feet. It bears flowers which are greenish yellow in color and the leaf of these plants exhibits a pinnate pattern. The fruits thus produced are spherical in shape and the color is bright green. Moreover, the fruits are fibrous with a somewhat sour taste. Amla is typically cultivated in the tropical regions.

In several warmer regions of India, amla is grown as an orchard crop. Its fruits are of high economic importance and therefore are always high on demand. They are known to contain a fairly high amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is slightly bitter in taste due to the presence of ellagitannins in high amounts. Amla is also known as the embolic myrobalan, Indian gooseberry and Malacca tree.

On the other hand, Ocimum sanctum is the botanical name of tulsi. Saraca indica is the botanical name of ashoka tree while Ficus benghalensis is the botanical name of banyan tree.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Amla have found its historic importance for use in medicines as well as cuisines. Gooseberries are nowadays used in manufacturing of hair oils, shampoos and inks as well. The fruit of this tree is utilized for preparation of pickles and preserves. It is also used in medical Ayurveda for preparation of medicines. The village tanners are using the bark and fruit of the tree for the tanning of leather.