Shaggy Raisin

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Shaggy Raisin
• Forest Raisinbush

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales, it is further categorized into the family Malvaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Grewia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the southern portion of the African continent. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated within the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. Additionally, it can be found growing in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These locations represent the core areas where the species thrives in its natural habitat. Consequently, its range is limited to these distinct southern African territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Grewia lasiocarpa is defined by its ability to inhabit diverse topographical gradients, typically flourishing across a broad altitudinal spectrum. This species is found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 5 m AMSL to a maximum of 1220 m AMSL, allowing it to occupy various ecological niches from lowland regions to mid-altitude landscapes. Such a wide elevational range suggests a high degree of adaptability to varying environmental stressors, including fluctuations in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture availability associated with changing altitudes. This adaptability enables the plant to integrate into diverse community structures within its habitat, often playing a functional role in the local ecosystem's stability and biodiversity.

Elevational range max:

1220 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

5 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Grewia lasiocarpa is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many years through sustained growth and seasonal adaptation. As a long-lived woody plant, it undergoes distinct developmental stages, beginning with seed germination that leads to the establishment of a robust root system capable of supporting its long-term survival. Throughout its life cycle, the plant exhibits seasonal variations in its physiological activities, such as flowering and fruiting, which are essential for its reproductive success and the dispersal of its seeds within its natural habitat. This perennial nature enables the species to withstand environmental fluctuations and maintain a stable presence in its ecological niche across successive growing seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Grewia lasiocarpa is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. It is a terrestrial plant that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. The species is a self-supporting structure rather than a climber, typically reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Grewia lasiocarpa has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Stem

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Chemicals

Grewia lasiocarpa has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-METHYLHEPTADECANE, HEPTACOSANE, Phytol, farnesol, n-Hexadecanoic acid.

2-METHYLHEPTADECANE

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HEPTACOSANE

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Phytol

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farnesol

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n-Hexadecanoic acid

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Activities

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

Antibacterial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
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Antioxidant

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Grewia lasiocarpa has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Klebsiella pneumoniae

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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Preparations

Grewia lasiocarpa has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil.

Essential oil

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