Grewia triflora
(Bojer) Walp.
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(c) erickrak, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The leaves are papery and oval. They are 3-10 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. It tapers to a long tip and there are rounded teeth along the edge. The flowers are yellow and 2 cm across. There are 2-3 flowers in a group in the axils of leaves. The fruit is 6 cm across. They are round and dark brown. They have a thing covering of hairs.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible.
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 bark is used for the treatment of headaches, fevers and diarrhoea. The leaves are used to treat headache and epilepsy. A decoction of the aerial parts is drunk to treat fever.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to about 30 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania,
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
A fibre obtained from the bark has been used to make cordage. The wood is light in weight. It is used for construction poles, bows and the shafts of spear-guns that are used for fishing. The stem is used for making fish traps.
Notes
These were in the Sparrmanniaceae and the Tiliaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Mbwanahaseni, Mukametsaka
References (4)
- Dale, I. R. and Greenway, P. J., 1961, Kenya Trees and Shrubs. Nairobi. p 570 (As Grewia vaughaniae)
- East African Herbarium records, 1981, (As Grewia vaughaniae)
- Peters, C. R., O'Brien, E. M., and Drummond, R.B., 1992, Edible Wild plants of Sub-saharan Africa. Kew. p 193 (As Grewia vaughaniae)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
