The genus was named by
Carl Linnaeus, in honor of the botanist
Nehemiah Grew (1641-1712) from England. Grew was one of the leading plant
anatomists and
microscope researchers of his time, and his study of
pollen laid the groundwork for modern-day
palynology.
Several species, namely phalsa, are known for their edible fruit, which are of local commercial importance. The
astringent and refreshing Grewiadrupes are particularly popular in summertime.
Folk medicine makes use of some species, which are reputed to cure upset stomachs and some skin and intestinal infections, and seem to have mild
antibiotic properties. G. mollis is reputed to contain
β-carbolinealkaloids,[3] though whether such compounds occur in other species too and whether they are produced in quantities to render the plants
psychoactive has not been thoroughly studied.
In
Myanmar, the bark of the Grewia tree is mixed with the soapy kinpun (Senegalia rugata) fruit and sometimes
lime to make the traditional shampoo tayaw kinpun,[4] which remains widely used by the Burmese people and commonly sold in the country's open-air markets, typically in plastic bags.[5][6]
Explorer
Ludwig Leichhardt described preparing a refreshing drink from the seeds of native Australian species G. polygama.[7]
Grewia avellana Hiern. (= G. calycina N.E.Br., G. hydrophila K.Schum., G. perennans K.Schum.)
Grewia bicolor Juss. (= G. disticha Dinter & Burret, G. grisea, G. kwebensis N.E.Br., G. miniata Mast. ex Hiern., G. mossambicensis)
Grewia biloba G.Don –
Bilobed Grewia (= G. biloba var. glabrescens (Benth.) Rehder, G. glabrescens Benth., G. parviflora var. glabrescens (Benth.) Rehder & E.H.Wilson)
Grewia biloba var. microphylla (Maxim) Hand.-Mazz. (= G. parviflora var. microphylla Maxim.)
Grewia biloba var. parviflora (Bunge) Hand.-Mazz. (= G. chanetii H.Lév., G. parviflora Bunge, G. parviflora var. velutina Pampanini)
Grewia monticola Sond. (= G. cordata N.E.Br., G. discolor, N.E.Br.)
Grewia multiflora Juss. (= G. didyma Roxb. ex G.Don, G. disperma Rottler, G. guazumifolia Juss., G. jinghongensis Y.Y.Qian, G. oblongifolia Blume, G. serrulata DC.)
Heywood, V.H.; Brummitt, R.K.; Culham, A. & Seberg, O. (2007): Flowering Plant Families of the World. Firefly Books, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.
ISBN1-55407-206-9