Grewia tenax

HABIT: Grewia tenax is a multi-stemmed sub-erect to erect shrub up to 3 m tall. Stem bark is ash-grey in colour, branches are glabrescent, young twigs stellate hairy. Leaves are 3-5 costate. Flowers occur solitary or rarely paired and pedicel together appearing like a jointed pedicel. Flower colour are white, rarely cream to yellow, sometimes sweet scented. 

CONSERVATION STATUS: Evaluated as 'Least Concern' by IUCN.

MEDICINAL USES:  The plant preparation of G. tenax are used for treatment of stomach upset, cough, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, hepatitis and rheumatism. While, Grewia villosa is utilized for correcting various human and livestock ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, cough, body pain, infection etc. Their leaves and twigs provide palatable fodder for livestock especially during dry periods of the year. Due to paramount importance of Grewia species they deserve special emphasis on its documentation, genetic improvement and systematic utilization in arid and semiarid regions of India. 

(Distribution of Grewia species in Kachchh Gujarat, India: Taxonomy, Traditional Knowledge and Economic Potentialities Rahul Dev1)

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: The dry fruit is used for treatment of stomach ache. The dried fruit grinded in fine power and this powder diluted in water and orally taken for stomach problem like ache, dysentery etc. Fresh fruits and leaves are given to animal for easy expel of placenta after birth of calf. Ripen fruits are preferred by animal herder as well as small kids during the fruiting season and for later use fruit is dried and stored. Other than its medicinal properties it is highly valued for its animal fodder value. Both green leaves and tender twings are used to feed animals. 

(Distribution of Grewia species in Kachchh Gujarat, India: Taxonomy, Traditional Knowledge and Economic Potentialities Rahul Dev1)