Common Name:

General Information

Grewia grevei is a deciduous tree that usually grows from 7 - 9 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.
Grewia grevei is restricted to the south of Madagascar where it is threatened by habitat loss due to wildfire and logging. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - southwestern Madagascar.

Habitat

Spiny forest-thicket, growing on unconsolidated sandstone and tertiary limestone soils; at elevations up to 300 metres[]. Scrubland and thicket in subarid regions; at elevations up to 500 metres.

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[].

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 is used to treat conjunctivitis[].

The leaves are used to treat diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for making cordage and barkcloth[, ].

The wood is easy to work and durable after impregnation with salt water. It is used for items such as poles, tool handles and bows of pirogues[].
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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