Grewia retinervis

Grewia retinervis (Afrikaans: basterskurweblaarrosyntjie, roughly translated "Baster curved-leaf grape") is a plant native to Namibia and South Africa. It is found in the North West and Limpopo provinces and is listed as "safe" (LC) by the SANBI Red List.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It can be 4 m high. The bark is brown. The branches are round, not 4 angled. The leaves are smooth. The veins form a net. The leaves are oblong and 2.5-5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are bright yellow and 1.5 cm across. The occur in groups of 2-3 in the axils of leaves. The fruit are red-brown, shiny and round. The fruit are edible.

Edible Uses

The fruit are eaten raw or dried, can be stored when dried, and can be crushed and made into a drink. They are an important staple food.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw or dried. The fruit can be dried and stored. The fruit can be crushed and made into a drink.

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

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in dry sandy places. It is often in Kalahari sand. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 200-600 mm. It grows between 410-1950 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, 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.

Other Information

They are an important staple food.

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

Arib, Makatabumbua, Mokgompatha, Mopundu, Motshwara-badika, Motshwara-vadi-kana, Motsotsojane, Mupundu, Muzuzinyani, Rough-leafed raisin, Umtwea

References (31)

• Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 2731 (As Vinticena retinervis)
• Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 45:170. 1910
• Exell, A.W. et al, (Ed), 1963, Flora Zambesiaca Vol 2 Part 1 Crown Agents, London. p 45
• Fowler, D. G., 2007, Zambian Plants: Their Vernacular Names and Uses. Kew. p 45
• Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 353

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