Terminalia chebula aka Chebulic Myrobalan

Terminalia chebula is also called black myrobalan. It is part of the Combretaceae family. Its native range spans the Indian subcontinent, western Yunnan, and Indochina. It grows in teak woods and mixed deciduous forests. These mixed forests shed their leaves each year. It also grows in drier types of forest. People grow it for fruit, tannins, and use in medicine.

This tree grows slowly. Sources give quite different sizes for it. RHS lists a garden height of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. It gives a spread of 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Other accounts report heights of 82–98 feet [25–30 metres]. The branches spread to form a round or umbrella-shaped crown. Deep cracks mark the thick, dark bark. Oval leaves narrow toward their tips. They may grow in pairs or take turns along stems. RHS says the leaves are dark green and fall with the seasons. Useful Tropical Plants says instead that the tree is evergreen.

Small flowers bloom in summer in short, branched groups called panicles. They range from dull white to yellow. They have a strong, bad smell. The smooth, oval fruits start green. They then turn yellow to orange-brown. Each fruit is about one to two inches long. The seeds are oval too. The crown gives the tree a bold shape in gardens. RHS also suggests growing it in conservatories and greenhouses.

Grow it in full sun, in a sheltered spot. Young plants cope with some shade. RHS suggests sandy or loamy soil that drains well. The soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. Under glass, use peat-free, loam-based compost and add sharp sand. Give a moderate amount of water. Feed it in the growing season. RHS rates its hardiness H1B; it can grow outdoors in British summers. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Useful Tropical Plants reports that it copes with more cold. But it dies below −5°C, that source says. Raise new plants from seeds or by layering in spring. Seeds may take a long time to sprout. Prune trees grown under cover to control their size. RHS reports few problems with pests or disease.

People eat the sour fruit in salads, brine, or fried dishes. They make preserves from it too. The seeds serve as snacks and yield oil people can eat. The fruit also helps make black salt. It has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine, including remedies for digestion. These past uses do not prove safety or health benefits. PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants report no known hazards. The fruit is rich in tannins. People use it to tan leather, dye cloth, and print. The tree also yields wood for furniture.