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The Grewias

The tree is known for a refreshing drink prepared from the fruits, commonly known as Phalsa Sherbet or squash, is considered a delicacy throughout the hot summer months in India. The Phalsa tree (Grewia Asiatica/फालसा) is a small-to-moderate sized deciduous tree.

Phalsa is a beautiful tree with small orange-yellow flowers, borne in densely crowded axillary cymes. The ripe fruits are eaten as a dessert. Their taste and flavor are very much liked. Due to fruits, the tree is often found pollarded to keep its branches low and within reach.

According to Ayurveda, different parts of this plant possess different pharmacological properties. Leaves have antimicrobial, anticancer, antiplatelet and antiemetic activities; fruit possess anticancer, antioxidant, radio-protective and anti-hyperglycemic properties; while stem bark possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The fruits are a cooling tonic, astringent & aphrodisiac; they allay thirst & burning sensations, remove biliousness, cure inflammation, heart & blood disorders and fevers. The fruit is also good against throat trouble. The bark is used as a demulcent, febrifuge and treatment for diarrhea. It cures urinary troubles and relieves burning sensation. The root bark is employed in treating rheumatism. The leaves are applied on skin eruptions and they are known to have antibiotic action.

The tree improves the soil and also aids in reclamation of degraded land. It has been proved that the plantations of Phalsa increased organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium in the soil and reduced Calcium Carbonate, pH & bulk density due to litter production greater than that of other fruit trees. It is propagated easily by seeds.

Phalsa can be grown on a wide range of soils, even those that are slightly alkaline, clay or sandy soils. But for fruit production, ideal is a rich alluvial soil. The tree grows in both tropical and subtropical climates but will tolerate other climates, except at high altitude; however, it does best in regions having distinct summer and winter seasons. It is very hardy, drought-tolerant species and capable of existing under severe conditions and is suitable for arid regions.

The fresh leaves are valued as fodder. The mucilaginous extract from the tree obtained after pounding in water is used to clarify sugarcane juice during the preparation of gur, the traditional brown sugar made in India. Ropes or cordage can also be obtained from the tree. Furthermore, there is no serious pest or disease of this species.

There is a similar close cousin of Phalsa from the same genus, the Dhaman (Grewia Tiliifolia/धामण, धामनी) is a moderate-sized deciduous tree.

The yellow flower resembles the Phalsa flower very much. The main difference is in the leaves. The leaves of Dhaman are oblique heart-shaped.

The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its fibre and edible fruit. The black, globose, 2-3 lobed fruit is about the size of a pea, having a nice flavor. Fruit is a good source of micronutrients such as anthocyanins, phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C. They have a moderate antioxidant activity and make an excellent, healthful addition to the diet.

Dhaman grows rapidly in full sun and light shade. It is successful in a range of well-drained soils. It also serves as a larval host plant for the Coladenia Indrani species of butterflies. It is also propagated by seeds.

The tree has numerous medicinal properties. It is employed in dysentery & applied externally to remove irritation from itch. It also has emetic properties. Leaves and twigs are lopped for fodder. The leaves contain 1% tannin and are sometimes employed as a soap substitute for washing hair. 

Sandpaper Raisin or Rough-leaved Raisin (Grewia Flavescens/खटखटी) is a large shrub or small tree, with beautifully bright yellow flowers. It is multi-stemmed and densely branched, forming a very irregular leafy canopy. Leaves are simple, alternate, hairy and light green on both sides, being more hairy underneath; with irregularly toothed edges. The fruit is berry-like and hard. The skin of the fruit is said to be the hardest amongst the Grewia species. The fruit are eaten by birds, especially hornbills, and also by monkeys. 

The species is also known for its ornamental value and is used as a vegetable, fodder and to make baskets. The fruits are used as food and for traditional medicinal treatments.

The fruits of Grewias attracts many birds and is also consumed by monkeys and antelopes. Leaves are food plants for the larvae of moth-like Skipper butterflies. The trees also serve as important pollinators, food source for many animals and provide a good support for the ecosystem. These species have high potential in agroforestry practices as well as have high ornamental value. Hence it is great have one of these beauties near house!