Common Name: Giant Raisin

General Information

Grewia hexamita is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow from 2 - 5 metres tall[, ].
The edible fruit is sometimes harvested from the wild for local consumption. It is said to be the largest fruit in the genus[].. The plant also has medicinal uses, its branches are traditionally used as carrying sticks and, with its large, handsome flowers is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, northern S. Africa..

Habitat

Wooded grasslands, bushland, usually on termite mounds, and in river valleys[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Said to be the largest fruit in the genus, it is also fermented to make an alcoholic beverage[]. The yellow-brown to red fruit is deeply divided into 2 globose lobes; it can be up to 20mm 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 root is used as an emetic and a male aphrodisiac[].

Other Uses

The branches are elastic and can be used for crafts, carrying sticks, bows, arrows ets[].

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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