Grewia mollis
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Scientific
Classification
Synonyms:
Species ID: NMP-237;wfo-0000710110;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 3105936 Common
Names: Ateso: Eparis Luganda: Mukoma, mukomakoma Lugbara: Nzu, onju Lugwe: Nabwor Luo A: Pobo Luo J: Omokoma Luo L: Opobo Lusoga: Lukomakoma Madi: Enzu Runyoro: Mukoma, mukomakoma. Description Grewia
mollis is a
slow-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree, often multi-stemmed and branching
from very low on the bole, reaching up to 10.5 meters in height. It has a
fibrous, thick bark that flakes to reveal a yellow-green under-surface. The
leaves are oblong to lanceolate, with serrate margins, and are pale
greenish-white beneath. The plant produces bright yellow flowers with
linear-oblong sepals and oblong-spathulate petals. The fruit is a globose
drupe, about 7 mm in diameter, often one-lobed due to the abortion of one
loculus. Distribution
and Habitat Grewia
mollis is native
to tropical Africa, with its range extending across countries such as Nigeria,
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali,
Senegal, and Togo. It thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes, commonly found
in open woodlands, riverine thickets, and Acacia-Combretum wooded grasslands,
from sea level to elevations of 2,200 meters. Medicinal
Properties Various
parts of Grewia mollis are utilized in traditional medicine:
Additionally,
the plant is a source of grewia gum, an edible polysaccharide mucilage similar
in properties to tragacanth gum, which is used in food and pharmaceutical
industries. Known
Toxicity Some
reports suggest that a high concentration of the stem bark in dietary exposure
may cause adverse effects, particularly liver injury. Therefore, caution is
advised in its use, and it is recommended to consult knowledgeable
practitioners before any medicinal application. Additional
Information Beyond
its medicinal applications, Grewia mollis is valued for:
The
plant's versatility underscores its importance in both ecological and cultural
contexts within its native range. References
External
links
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| Compounds of Grewia mollis | |
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