Elm-Leaf Grewia is a large shrub or medium sized tree. Young shoots stellate hairy. Leaves
3-costate, elliptic-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 8.5-13.5 cm long, 4-5.5 cm
broad, glabrous except for stellate hairs on veins and veinlets beneath,
entire or slightly serrate; petiole 0.8-1.2 cm long, hairy; stipules
linear-lanceolate, c. 8-10 mm long, acute-acuminate, stellate hairy. Cymes
shortly pedunculate, 2-3-flowered, arranged in a terminal or axillary, 8-15 cm
long, hairy panicle. Flowers yellowish-white, c. 8-10 mm across; pedicels
small, hairy; bracts subulate, c. 3-4 mm long, caducous. Sepals linear-oblong,
6-7 mm long, 2.5-3 mm broad, densely hairy outside, cucullate at the apex.
Petals oblong, about half as long as sepals, with hairy gland at the base,
emarginate or irregularly serrate at the apex. Stamens numerous, filaments 3-4
mm long, hairy towards the base. The leaves are considered eminently
suitable for wrapping cigars. The light to medium-weight hardwood is used
for cabinet work. Rope can be manufactured from the fibrous bark. The fruits
are edible. Elm-Leaf Grewia is native of India to
S. China and Malesia. It is found in NE India and Western Ghats.
Medicinal uses: In India, the plant is used in indigestion, typhoid,
dysentery and syphilitic ulceration of the mouth and was used in small pox,
eczema and itches. In southern China an infusion of the leaves is taken
for indigestion and as a cooling drink. In Indo-China a drink prepared
from the roasted and boiled leaves is given to children as a vermifuge.
Identification credit: Navendu Pagé
Photographed in Alibag, Maharashtra
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The flower labeled Elm-Leaf Grewia is ...