Common Name:

General Information

Grewia conocarpoides is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded crown; it can grow up to 5 metres tall[].
The tree is gathered from the wild as a local source of food and wood. It makes a good ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical east Africa - Tanzania, southeast DR Congo, Malawi.

Habitat

Miombo bushland dominated by Brachystegia, on rocky hills at medium elevations from 800 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Trees can be coppiced[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Collected mainly by children and travellers[]. The fruit is an orange-red fleshy berry up to 17mm 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.
We have no specific records for this species, but it is likely to have been used as a traditional medicine.

Other Uses

The wood is hard and heavy[]. It is used for building poles, walking sticks, clubs, tool handles, withies and bows[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

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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