Grewia grevei
Baill.
(c) Bitty A. Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bitty A. Roy
(c) kenbehrens, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
(c) kenbehrens, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit
The fruit is edible.
Where to Find It
It is a tropical plant.
Africa, Madagascar,
How to Identify
A tropical shrub in the Malvaceae family.
How to Grow
Propagation: Seed - we have no specific information for this species but seed of this genus is generally best sown as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!), allowing the mix to cool somewhat and then leaving it in a warm place to soak for 12 - 24 hours. Sow the seeds in situ or in a nursery seedbed or trays - do not allow the compost to become dry. Germination and early growth are usually quite quick. Cuttings - best taken with a heel.
Medicinal Uses
Grewia species are valued in many cultures for their medicinal virtues. The main medicinal action appears to come from the mucilage that is found in the leaves, stems and roots, which has been shown to have soothing and healing properties. Taken internally it is often used as a remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery, for example, whilst externally it is applied to wounds, cuts, ulcers, irritations etc. The plant can be taken as a simple infusion or decoction, or it can be applied topically as a poultice of the plant, or the mucilage can be extracted from the plant, if required, by maceration and then decoction. . The bark is used to treat conjunctivitis. The leaves are used to treat diarrhoea.
Other Uses
A fibre obtained from the bark is used for making cordage and barkcloth. The wood is easy to work and durable after impregnation with salt water. It is used for items such as poles, tool handles and bows of pirogues. The wood is used for fuel.
Names & Synonyms
Komokomoky
References (2)
- Stiles, D., 1998, The Mikea Hunter-Gatherers of Southwest Madagascar: Ecology and Socioeconomics. African Study Monographs, 19(3): 127-148, November 1998
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
