Common Name:

General Information

Grewia sahafariensis is a deciduous shrub or a small tree, usually growing from 3 - 13 metres tall[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre and wood.
Grewia sahafariensis has a very restricted range, being found only in northeastern Madagascar, and the species is threatened by habitat loss due to the extension of agricultural land and logging/wood harvesting. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - northeast Madagascar.

Habitat

Dry forest on unconsolidated sand, and in humid forest on basement rock; at elevations from 50 - 750 metres[]. Dry forests at elevations up to 500 metres.

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.00 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.
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 has been used for making bark cloth, cordage and textiles[].

The wood is light in weight, strong and elastic. It is made into spear shafts[].

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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