Common Name:

General Information

Grewia latifolia is a more or less deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree that can grow 3 - 6 metres tall, The trunk can be up to 20cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - eastern Northern Territory, Queensland, northeastern New South Wales

Habitat

Open woodlands on free-draining soils. Found in a variety of eucalypt woodlands and cypress pine forests on sandy or loamy soils.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A highly drought-tolerant species.

Edible Uses

Fruit - the thin layer of sweet flesh is eaten. The brown, deeply 2-lobed, globose fruit is around 8 - 10mm in diameter[].

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.
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The fruit is used as a remedy for dysentery.
The plant (leaves, root) contains a mucilage and this is of benefit in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[]. A decoction of the root is drunk[].

Other Uses

The wood is hard, close-grained, and takes a good polish[].

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.

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