Grewia sapida

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 1-1.5 m tall. It has a woody underground stem. It puts up annual shoots. The young shoots have hair. The leaves are 3-7 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. Flowers are in groups of 3. The fruit is round and has 4 small lobes.

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.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Pakistan it grows between 300-1,300 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The fruit are used for juice drinks. The ripe fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In NE India plants flower and fruit March to May.

Its other names

Local names

Barsha pakar, Bong der so, Bhumbhur fursa, Burso, Chuhura, Farsa, Kuail, Phalsatenga, Pharsa, Pharsia, Phorsa, Phuhura, Pichondi, Prang-mahkaw, Pumi aye, Thaura-guti, Thouraguti

Synonyms

Grewia pumila Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don;