Grewia erythraea

Grewia erythraea, commonly known as the phalsa or phalsa shrub, is a resilient medicinal plant native to arid regions of Africa and Asia. Renowned for its nutrient-rich fruits, it is traditionally used to treat digestive issues, fever, and inflammation, offering significant therapeutic potential in holistic wellness practices.

  • Scientific name: Grewia erythraea
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Grewia and the specific species Grewia erythraea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malvales WCVP
Family Malvaceae WCVP
Genus Grewia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Grewia erythreaa, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called the erythraea grewia, while in Arabic, it is known as al-muraq. In Swahili, the plant is commonly called mwaa, and in Hausa, it is identified as kwashe.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known as Grewia erythraea, exhibits a specific distribution across the arid regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is documented within the borders of Egypt. Moving toward the Northeast Tropical Africa region, it is found inhabiting the landscapes of Eritrea and Ethiopia. The species also extends its reach to the island of Socotra. Finally, its geographical range includes the territory of Somalia.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Eritrea WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Socotra WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Sudan-South Sudan WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
Western Asia Afghanistan WCVP
Western Asia Iran WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Gulf States WCVP

Activities

Grewia erythraea has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Grewia erythraea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆