There has, in the past, been considerable misinterpretation of Grewia laevigata Vahl and Grewia multiflora Juss. We are following the interpretation of R.C.K. Chung[] and K.C. Kishor[]. In particular, this moves the taxon Grewia glabra Blume from synonymy with Grewia laevigata to synonymy with Grewia multiflora

Common Name:

General Information

Grewia laevigata is an evergreen shrub or tree with stems that are sometimes scrambling to climbing; it can grow up to 14 metres tall. The bole is around 13cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of fibre. The fibre is commonly used for making cordage in India[].
Grewia laevigata has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major
threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea.

Habitat

An understorey plant in rather heavily disturbed regrowth forests or in open places in coastal, mixed dipterocarp and sub-montane forests; on alluvial sites, hillsides and ridges with sandy soils, also on limestone; at elevations up to 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can flower and produce fruit all year round[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The green fruit is a 4 lobed drupe about 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.
.
A decocton of the leaves is given to women after delivery in order to reduce pain and to clean parturiton wastes[].
The leaves are used to treat cuts and abrasions[, ].

Other Uses

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

The wood is rather heavy, fibrous, but close grained, soft, white, turning yellowish, then brownish[]..

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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