bhimal

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bhimal

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malvales, it is classified under the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Grewia and the specific species name optiva.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of the Indian Subcontinent. It is specifically documented to grow within the East Himalaya and the West Himalaya mountain ranges. Its natural habitat extends through the diverse landscapes found throughout India. Furthermore, the species is frequently encountered in the mountainous terrain of Nepal. Finally, its geographical range also encompasses the territories of Pakistan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Grewia optiva is characterized by its adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments, where it serves as a vital component of scrublands and open woodlands. It thrives in diverse soil types, often preferring well-drained, loamy, or sandy soils within regions subject to seasonal rainfall patterns. This species exhibits significant resilience to varying climatic conditions, ranging from dry deciduous forests to more rugged terrains. Its distribution is closely tied to specific altitudinal gradients, with its ecological niche spanning from lowlands up to an elevational range maximum of 1800 m AMSL. Within these habitats, the plant plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil and providing microhabitats for various fauna, functioning as a hardy pioneer species in landscapes prone to degradation.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Grewia optiva is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish a long-lasting presence within its native arid and semi-arid ecosystems. As a perennial woody shrub or small tree, it undergoes multiple growing seasons, demonstrating a sustained lifecycle that contributes to the stability of its habitat. This longevity is supported by its ability to endure varying environmental conditions over many years, moving beyond the shorter durations associated with annual or biennial cycles. Through its extended lifespan, the plant engages in repeated reproductive efforts, ensuring its continued survival and persistence in the landscape.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Grewia optiva is characterized by a robust, woody structure, manifesting primarily as a self-supporting tree or large shrub. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, functioning autonomously within its ecosystem. In terms of its ecological habitat and moisture preference, the plant is classified as terrestrial, rather than aquatic or semiaquatic. Its growth form is defined by its sturdy, lignified stems, which provide the necessary support for its upright, non-climbing habit, distinguishing it from lianas, vines, or other climbing forms.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Grewia optiva is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and highly variable seed dimensions. The flowering period typically commences in April and reaches its conclusion in May, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a significant range in mass; individual seeds can be as small as 0.0054 g or as large as 0.075 g, with the mean seed mass recorded at 0.0402 g.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

May

Seed mass max:

0.075 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0402 g

Seed mass min:

0.0054 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Grewia optiva has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. International journal of biological macromolecules

Root

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Stem

1. Journal of computer-aided molecular design

Chemicals

Grewia optiva has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Astragalin, GLUTARIC ACID, Trans-Tiliroside, cis-Tiliroside, hexanedioic acid.

Astragalin

1. International journal of biological macromolecules

GLUTARIC ACID

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Trans-Tiliroside

1. International journal of biological macromolecules

cis-Tiliroside

1. International journal of biological macromolecules

hexanedioic acid

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Activities

Grewia optiva has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic.

Anthelmintic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Grewia optiva has 11 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include anthelmintic, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema.

Anthelmintic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cough

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Diarrhea

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Dysentery

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Eczema

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Fever

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Inflammation

1. Journal of computer-aided molecular design

Malaria

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Pain

1. Journal of computer-aided molecular design

Smallpox

1. Drug design, development and therapy

Preparations

Grewia optiva has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include stem bark.

Stem bark

1. Journal of computer-aided molecular design