Grewia hexamita

Grewia hexamita, the giant raisin, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae, native to Mozambique and adjoining countries. It is a large tree for a Grewia, reaching 5 m (16 ft). It is the most preferred woody plant of African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana), who browse on it in all seasons, unlike even other species of Grewia.

Description

A shrub. It grows up to 5 m tall. It has branches from near the base which spread out widely. The young branches are covered with red hairs. The leaves are oval and the edges have teeth. They are shiny green above and whitish grey underneath. Leaves are 2.5-13 cm long and 9 cm across. The base of the leaf is lopsided. The flowers are yellow. They are honey scented. They are 2.5 cm across. The fruit have 2 lobes and are hairy and shiny. They are about 2 cm across. They are red. The fruit are edible.

Edible Uses

The red fruit are eaten raw and are especially popular with children. They are also fermented to make alcoholic drinks.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

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. . The root is used as an emetic and a male aphrodisiac.

Known Hazards

Alcoholic beverages made from the fruit are a known cause of cancer.

Distribution

A tropical plant. They grow in river valleys. It must be in a frost free area. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Where It Grows

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Plants are easily grown from fresh seeds. The seeds should be soaked in water for a few days before planting. Seedlings can be transplanted at the 2 leaf stage.

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.

Other Uses

The branches are elastic and can be used for crafts, carrying sticks, bows, arrows ets.

Production

Seedlings grows slowly at first.

Other Information

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Notes

There are about 200 Grewia species. They are mostly tropical. The fruit of most may be edible. These were in the Sparrmanniaceae and the Tiliaceae.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Gukhuna, Gukuna, Mohwana, Mukukuna, Murabvapfene, Nsihana, Nsihani, Reuserosyntjie, Sipane, Tzela, Umsipane, Umsiphane lomkhulu

References (18)

• Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 45:184. 1910
• Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 360
• FAO, 1988, Traditional Food Plants, FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 42. FAO Rome p 310
• Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 352
• Joffe, P., 2007, Creative Gardening with Indigenous Plants. A South African Guide. Briza. p 58

More from Malvaceae

Grewia kakothamnos

Grewia laevigata

Grewia lasiocarpa

Forest raisin

Grewia lasiodiscus

Grewia latifolia

Emu berry, Dysentery Plant

Grewia lilacina