Grewia ferruginea (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)
| Grewia ferruginea (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007) |
Grewia ferruginea Tiliaceae Indigenous
Common names
- Afargna: Fo
- Amargna: Alenqoza, Lenkoata
- Gamogna: Gingino
- Gimirigna: Sakeho
- Oromugna: Bururi, Dokenu, Lanqisa, Lensa, Ogomdi
- Somaligna: Lato
- Tigrigna: Sankwah, Tsimkuya
Ecology
A widespread shrub, growing in riverine forest, near lakes and along rivers in open Acacia-Combretum woodland in Dry and Moist Weyna Dega as well as Moist and Dry Kolla agroclimatic zones, 1,300–2,700 m.
Uses
Firewood, timber (local construction), farm tools, food (fruit), fodder (leaves), rope (bark).
Description
A shrub or small tree to 7 m, young shoots, leaf and flower stalks covered with redbrown hairs (ferruginea = rusty).
- LEAVES: Long oval to 13 cm, the tip pointed or rounded, base often rounded to a short stalk, edge toothed, 3 veins from the base, vein network very clear below.
- FLOWERS: Yellow, purple or white, solitary or in twos or fours, in a terminal head about 5 cm long, the central flowers opening first, many stamens in the centre.
- FRUIT: In 4 parts, each rounded and fleshy about 5 mm across.
Propagation
Seedlings.
Seed
15,000 - 20,000
- Treatment: No treatment needed.
Management
Seeds germinate well. Coppice reduction, pruning and - for the desired shape.
Remarks
Most species of Grewia have edible fruit. The seeds may, however, cause constipation if eaten in large amounts. Grewia species are good sources of fibre. Their stems are often tough and durable and thus have many uses in the household. The hard, strong wood is used for clubs, walking sticks, head rests as well spears shafts and handles of farm implements.
