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Useful Tropical Plants

Grewia hirsuta

Vahl

Malvaceae

+ Synonyms

Grewia montana J.Koenig ex Wight & Arn.

Grewia obliqua Juss.

Grewia pilosa Roxb.

Grewia roxburghii G.Don

Grewia tomentosa Roxb. ex Wight & Arn.

Grewia trichodes Voigt

Common Name:

Grewia hirsuta
Flowering stems
Photograph by: J.M.Garg
GNU Free Documentation License
Grewia hirsuta Grewia hirsuta

General Information

Grewia hirsuta is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 5 metres tall[
942
Title
Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) No. 16
Publication
 
Author
 
Publisher
The Forest Herbarium; Bangkok.
Year
1986
ISBN
0495-3843
Description
A botanical journal, publishing papers on taxonomy (especially vascular plants), nomenclature, phylogeny, systematics, plant geography, and floristics; also morphology, palynology, cytotaxonomy, chemotaxonomy, anatomy and other relevant disciplines.
].
The plant is obtained from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

942
Title
Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) No. 16
Publication
 
Author
 
Publisher
The Forest Herbarium; Bangkok.
Year
1986
ISBN
0495-3843
Description
A botanical journal, publishing papers on taxonomy (especially vascular plants), nomenclature, phylogeny, systematics, plant geography, and floristics; also morphology, palynology, cytotaxonomy, chemotaxonomy, anatomy and other relevant disciplines.

Range

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam.

Habitat

Mixed deciduous, and dry evergreen forests; often occurring on limestone; at elevations from 200 - 1,500 metres[
942
Title
Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) No. 16
Publication
 
Author
 
Publisher
The Forest Herbarium; Bangkok.
Year
1986
ISBN
0495-3843
Description
A botanical journal, publishing papers on taxonomy (especially vascular plants), nomenclature, phylogeny, systematics, plant geography, and floristics; also morphology, palynology, cytotaxonomy, chemotaxonomy, anatomy and other relevant disciplines.
].

Properties

Medicinal Rating *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *
HabitDeciduous Shrub
Height3.50 m
Cultivation StatusWild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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.
.
Various parts of the plant are used in the treatment of headaches, eye complaints, sores and cholera[
1731
Title
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Grewia; A Review
Publication
Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 4, Suppl 4, 72-78; 2012
Author
Goyal P.K.
Publisher
 
Year
2012
ISBN
0975-1491
Description
 
].
An ethanolic extract of stem bark exhibited antiviral and diuretic activity[
1731
Title
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Grewia; A Review
Publication
Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 4, Suppl 4, 72-78; 2012
Author
Goyal P.K.
Publisher
 
Year
2012
ISBN
0975-1491
Description
 
].

The leaves are useful in the treatment of nose and eye diseases, splenic enlargement, piles, rheumatism and for relieving joint pain[
1731
Title
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Grewia; A Review
Publication
Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 4, Suppl 4, 72-78; 2012
Author
Goyal P.K.
Publisher
 
Year
2012
ISBN
0975-1491
Description
 
].

The roots are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and as a dressing for wounds[
1731
Title
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Grewia; A Review
Publication
Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 4, Suppl 4, 72-78; 2012
Author
Goyal P.K.
Publisher
 
Year
2012
ISBN
0975-1491
Description
 
].

Other Uses

A good quality fibre is obtained from the bark. It is used for making ropes[
942
Title
Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) No. 16
Publication
 
Author
 
Publisher
The Forest Herbarium; Bangkok.
Year
1986
ISBN
0495-3843
Description
A botanical journal, publishing papers on taxonomy (especially vascular plants), nomenclature, phylogeny, systematics, plant geography, and floristics; also morphology, palynology, cytotaxonomy, chemotaxonomy, anatomy and other relevant disciplines.
].

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.
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-03-29. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Grewia+hirsuta>

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