Common Name:

General Information

Grewia glandulosa is a deciduous shrub or tree growing up to 7.5 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar.

Habitat

Dry forest and bush on coral rag; clifftops; often forming thickets just above the high-water mark; strictly coastal at elevations up to 50 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant produces suckers and often forms thickets[].
Plants can flower and produce fruit all year round[].

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.
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A decoction of the root is drunk against flatulence[].

An infusion of the flowering shoots has been recommended to be taken before going to sleep, because of its emollient and calming effects[].

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used to make good cordage[]. It was used for tying wood before nails were used[].

Young branches have been used to clean the teeth[].

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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