Common Name:

General Information

Grewia hirsuta is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 5 metres tall[].
The plant is obtained from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam.

Habitat

Mixed deciduous, and dry evergreen forests; often occurring on limestone; at elevations from 200 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

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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Various parts of the plant are used in the treatment of headaches, eye complaints, sores and cholera[].
An ethanolic extract of stem bark exhibited antiviral and diuretic activity[].

The leaves are useful in the treatment of nose and eye diseases, splenic enlargement, piles, rheumatism and for relieving joint pain[].

The roots are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and as a dressing for wounds[].

Other Uses

A good quality fibre is obtained from the bark. It is used for making ropes[].

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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