Common Name:

General Information

Grewia helicterifolia is a deciduous shrub growing around 100 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of fibre

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia

Habitat

Dry places in forested areas; at elevations up to 1,500 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The fleshy fruit is a shiny, reddish-brown, subglobose drupe 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.

The unripe fruit is astringent. The juice is taken as a treatment for diarrhoea and dysentery[]. A paste of the unripe fruit is taken twice a day untill a cure is effected in the treatment of indigestion and gastric problems.

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the stem is used to make cordage[].

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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