Family: Malvaceae
Author: Juss.
Bibliography: Ann. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 4: 91 (1804)
Year: 1804
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Grewia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa to India
Description
Sandpaper raisin, known scientifically as Grewia flavescens, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. First described by Jussieu in the annals of the National Museum of Natural History in 1804, this species has continued to pique the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
The plant is geographically widespread, thriving across tropical and southern Africa and extending its reach to India. Its name, “sandpaper raisin,” reflects the texture of its leaves, which are characteristically rough to the touch, much like sandpaper. This unique trait aids in its identification and gives it a distinctive place among its botanical peers.
The sandpaper raisin is well-adapted to various ecological conditions found within its range. It is known for its resilience in diverse environments, from arid savannas to more temperate regions. This adaptability has allowed Grewia flavescens to survive and propagate across a broad swath of territory, contributing to its role in the local flora communities.
In terms of its botanical attributes, Grewia flavescens exhibits a composition typical of the Malvaceae family, with noticeable features that include simple leaves that can be alternately arranged and prominently veined. The flowers of the sandpaper raisin are also noteworthy; they tend to be small, star-shaped, and can vary in color, adding a touch of understated beauty to the landscape where they grow. These blossoms not only attract various pollinators but also contribute to the ecological diversity of their habitats.
Beyond its ecological significance, the sandpaper raisin has practical applications. In many cultures within its native range, parts of the plant are utilized for medicinal purposes, and its tough leaves and fruit are sometimes used in traditional remedies. The fruit of the plant is small but edible, and although it may not be widely known or used commercially, it plays a part in the diet of local wildlife and occasionally in human diets as well.
In summary, Grewia flavescens or the sandpaper raisin, with its broad distribution from the tropics of Africa to the diverse regions of India, stands out not only for its rough-textured leaves but also for its adaptability and ecological roles. This resilient member of the Malvaceae family continues to be a subject of interest and study, revealing the intricate and varied nature of plant life across some of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems.
Common Names
Run: kosobo
Lub: seba
Eng: sandpaper raisin
En: Sandpaper Raisin, Donkey-berry
Af: Skurwe-rosyntjie, Skurweblaarrosyntjie
Rn: Kosobo
Lu: Seba
: Sandpaper raisin
Synonyms
- Vincentia flavescens ((Juss.) Burret)
- Vinticena flavescens ((Juss.) Burret)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Guinea (native)
- India (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Dec 31, 2020 by Willem Heinrich Janse van Rensburg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Sebusang Sebusang (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2019 by Kobus Kobus Stander (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 31, 2022 by TAPESH BHAMI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2020 by Balasundaram Balasundaram Krishnamurthy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Balasundaram Balasundaram Krishnamurthy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Arpit Joshi (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Wenemi François KAGAMBÈGA (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Dec 31, 2020 by Willem Heinrich Janse van Rensburg (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Marcos Marcos (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:834301-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4260042)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Grewia flavescens Juss.)
