It is one of the trees with edible small yellow berries fruit in the Phyllanthaceae family. Despite its name, the plant does not resemble the gooseberry, except for the acidity of its fruits.

While its origin is uncertain, the species may have initially sprouted in Madagascar

The fruit is yellow, has the shape of a star. It is eaten fresh, and is sometimes used as flavouring for other dishes, it is generally regarded as too tart to be eaten by itself. The fruit is candied in sugar or pickled in salt, used in chutney, relish or preserves.

Also known as "Malay gooseberry", "Tahitian gooseberry", "star gooseberry" and "West India gooseberry".