Grewia bicolor (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)
| Grewia bicolor (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007) |
Grewia bicolor Tiliaceae Indigenous
Common names
- Amargna: Sefa, Somaya, Teye
- Oromugna: Haroresa
- Somaligna: Kobesh, Komesh
- Tigrigna: Aba, Dawa, Leshem
Ecology
A common tree of the semi-arid tropics of Africa and India. A shrubby tree that occurs in nearly all regions of Ethiopia in Acacia woodland, wooded grassland, along rivers and streams, on sandy soils and exposed rocky ground. It grows well in Moist and Wet Kolla and Weyna Dega agroclimatic zones, 500–1,800 m.
Uses
Firewood, timber, poles, tool handles, bows, arrows, walking sticks, food (ripe fruit), medicine (roots, bark), fodder (leaves, fruit).
Description
A low shrub or tree, 2–10 m, in dry deciduous woodland, produces branches from the base of the main trunk. BARK: Smooth when young, dotted with breathing pores; later dark, rough and scaly.
- LEAVES: Oval to oblong, pointed, 1–8 cm, the edge finely toothed, shiny green above but pale grey‑white below, drooping in heat.
- FLOWERS: Bright golden yellow, sweet smelling, small petals bent back over larger sepals.
- FRUIT: 2-lobed or unlobed and rounded, soft, 5 mm, orange then black, hairy at first, edible, sweet but sharp on the tongue.
Propagation
Seedlings. Grewias generally reproduce well naturally if protected from grazing and fire.
Seed
9,000–15,000 seed per kg. Germination is good but sporadic, completed after 6 weeks.
- Treatment: Not necessary but soaking in cold water for 12 hours may hasten germination.
- Storage: Seeds can be stored for a year at room temperature if kept dry.
Management
Slow growing; coppicing, pruning and thinning in pastures.
Remarks
The wood is hard and strong and young branches are bendable, therefore suitable for making bows, etc.
