Grewia tembensis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It has several stems. It grows 4 m high. The stems are long and narrow. They are grey and smooth. The leaves are oval and slightly hairy. They are rough above and have teeth along the edge. The flowers are white or pink. The fruit have 4 lobes. They are light green and ripen to red or orange.

These were in the Sparrmanniaceae and the Tiliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Kenya it grows between 250-2,200 m altitude. It grows in areas with a rainfall of 500-800 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, East Africa, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The sweet ripe fruit are eaten. Sometimes the juice only is eaten.

The fruit are popular.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and also from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Awraris, Deka, Dheekkaa, Hashanli, Ikogom, Iyier, Kituva, Midhayo, Mkone, Mnangu, Mutuva, Nduva, Ogumdi

Synonyms

Grewia membranacea A. Rich.; Grewia parvifolia Hochst. ex A. Rich.; Grewia reticulata Hochst. ex Mast.;