Grewia hornbyi

Wild.

Yellow and Pink Grewia

Malvaceae Edible: Fruit 16 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A shrub. It grows 2-4 m high. The young branches have a white covering. The leaf blade is 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. It is broadly oval. The leaves have a white covering underneath. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are round or with 2 lobes. The fruit are yellow when ripe. They are about 4 mm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit are eaten.

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. We have no specific records for this species, but it is likely to have been used as a traditional medicine.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in deciduous woodland. It grows from sea level to 300 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe,

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.