Common Name:

General Information

Grewia lavanalensis is a deciduous shrub to a moderate-sized tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of fibre.
Although restricted to Madagascar, Grewia lavanalensis is considered to have a wide distribution there. Even though
there are threats due to human activities in parts of its range, the overall population is stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - Madagascar.

Habitat

Forest, woodland, grassland and degraded thickets; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grewia lavanalensis is a plant of the tropical and subtropical lowland, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,000 metres. It is found in a range of climates from subarid through dry and subhumid to humid[].
Requires a sunny position, being found in the wild growing in sandy and ferralitic soils[].

Edible Uses

Seed[]. Mainly used as a famine food when nothing better is available[].

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.
We have no specific records for this species, but it is likely to have been used as a traditional medicine.

Other Uses

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

The tree is likely to be used as a source of wood for construction and for charcoal[].

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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