Grewia tenax

Combretaceae

(Synoyms): Chadara tenax, Grewia  bopulifolia ;  (Ar.): Gudaim, basham

The plant is adapted to high temperatures and dry conditions and has deep roots which stabilize sand dunes. The shrubs play effectively for rehabilitation of wastelands. Lowland plains, Widespread throughout central and southern Sudan.

Leaves and twigs

White Crossberry is a multistemmed shrub up to 2 to 4m high with grey, smooth, dotted barks. Leaves alternate, petiolate, laminate broadly ovate, 2.5-6.5×2-5.5cm, apex acute, base truncate to slightly cordate margin irregularly crenate, minutely stellate-pubescent on both surfaces, petioles 0.5-1.5cm long. Inflorescences solitary, terminal, or axillary, pedicels5-7mm long, tomentose. Flowers white with free sepals and glandular petals. Fruits berry, 3-4 lobes globose 3-4cm across, red when mature, glabrous.

The plant parts are rich in amino acids and mineral elements and contain some pharmacologically active constituents  Alkaloids (Harman), triterpenes, hydrocarbons, free and esterified phytosterols, a-amyrin, free fatty acids, urolic and cincholic acids, uvaol, hydroxyl uvaol, lupeol and leucoanthocynidins were reported from various Grewia spp.

The plant preparations are used for the treatment of bone fracture and for bone strengthening and tissue healing. The fruits are used for promoting fertility in females and are considered in special diets for pregnant women and anemic children.

The powdered roots are used for tonsillitis and throat infections. The ashes obtained after burning the roots and mixed with maize are applied as a poultice for swellings.