Phyllanthus acidus is a small tree and grows up to 2-9 m tall. It has simple, alternately arranged, stalked leaves are ovate in shape, about 2-7 cm long, and are arranged in two ranks along the branches. The blooms can be male, female or hermaphrodite. They are small and pinkish and appear in clusters in 5-to-12.5-cm long panicles. Blooms are formed at leafless parts of the main branches, at the upper part of the tree. The fruits are numerous, oblate, with 6 to 8 ribs, develop so densely that they actually form spectacular masses. They are pale yellow or white, waxy, crisp and juicy, and very sour. It has just a single seed in each fruit.
Light:
It thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade.
Soil:
It grows well in well-drained, fertile soils. A pH level can be between slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Water:
Water your plant regularly during the growing season. You can allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between each watering.
Temperature:
It prefers an ideal temperature of 65 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 – 21 degrees Celsius year-round.
Fertilizer:
Feed with any organic fertilizer every month during the growing season.
Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed, which may bear in 4 years, or by budding, greenwood cuttings, and air-layering.
Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for aphids, spider mites, and mealybug.