Common Name:

General Information

Grewia eriocarpa is a deciduous shrub or a tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of fibre.
Population and habitat information for Grewia eriocarpa could not be found, however it is assumed that population is large based on the species wide native range. No major threats to the species have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitat

Mixed deciduous to evergreen forests at elevations from 100 - 1,000 metres in Thailand[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The bluish, round fruit is small[].

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.

The bark ingredient with spirit use to prevent skin, sickness[]. It is assumed that this means a tincture of the bark in alcohol is used to treat skin conditions[].

An ethanolic extract of stem bark has shown CNS depressant activity[].

Other Uses

A good quality fibre obtained from the bark is used to make ropes[]. The fibre is extracted from the bark as soon as it is removed from the tree and makes a rope of average strength[]. The rope is used for hauling and binding[].
The fibre is sometimes used for making hat braids[].

The wood is light in weight, tough, strong and elastic. It is generally used for small articles where toughness and elasticity are required, such as tool handles, shoulder poles for carrying small loads, pestles, bows and billiards cues and, because it splits well, it is also used to make shingles[].

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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