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 multiflora is a much-branched, large, evergreen shrub or small tree usually growing from 3 - 6 metres tall[]
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine, whilst the bark a source of fibre used locally for making rope[]. The plant is often used as a hedge in India[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia

Habitat

Margins of forests, especially secondary growth forests, roadsides and open scrub forests[]. Shady places; at elevations up to 1,100 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	4.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. The depressed-globose, black fruit is around 4 - 5mm long and 10 - 13mm 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.
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A juice obtained from the root is taken in order to provide relief from coughs and colds[].

A juice obtained from the bark is taken in order to treat stomach disorders[].
A paste made from the bark is applied as a poultice on boils[].

An alcohol extract of the aerial parts has shown antiinflammatory activity[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is densely branched and responds well to trimming. It is often used as a hedge in India[].

Other Uses

The stem fibres are used for cordage[, ]. The bast is pale yellow-orange and is a non-staining fibre. Rope made from it is rather weak, but is said to be very durable for dry-weather use. It is a very commonly used rope in the Philippines[].

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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