The Flora of China[] has an entry for Grewia sessiliflora Gagnep., citing 'Notul. Syst. (Paris) 1: 167. 1910.' as the original publication of the name. There is no entry in the 'International Plant Names Index' to support this, but there is one for Grewia sessilifolia Gagnep., which cites the same original publication source. I therefore believe the entry in the Flora of China to be a mistake and that the plant it is referring to is actually Grewia sessilifolia Gagnep. I have, accordingly, placed the entry from the Flora of China here.[].

Common Name:

General Information

Grewia sessilifolia is a deciduous shrub that grows from 50 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre and a wood preservative.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam.

Habitat

Secondary forests at low elevations in southern China[]. Savannah and dry deciduous forests at elevations from 350 - 800 metres in Thailand[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 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.
We have no specific records for this species, but it is likely to have been used as a traditional medicine.

Other Uses

A strong fibre used for making ropes is obtained from the bark[].

The sap from the stems, roots and leaves is used for wood preservation[].

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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