Grewia Biloba
Contents
Description
Grewia Biloba, commonly known as the Sandpaper Raisin or Lavender Starflower, is a deciduous shrub native to southern Africa, specifically in Zimbabwe and South Africa. This plant is known for its unique star-shaped, lavender flowers that bloom in the summer months. The shrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. The leaves of Grewia Biloba are rough with a sandpaper-like texture, and they turn yellow in the fall. The fruit of the plant is small and red, resembling a raisin, and is edible.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Tiliaceae |
| Genus | Grewia |
Appearance
Grewia Biloba is a beautiful shrub with unique features. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate in shape, with a sandpaper-like texture. They are 4-12 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The flowers of Grewia Biloba are star-shaped, with five petals and a diameter of 2-3 cm. The flowers are lavender in color and bloom in the summer months. The fruit of the plant is a small, red, round berry that resembles a raisin, and it is edible.
Care Guide
To care for Grewia Biloba, you need to follow the guidelines below:
Water: Water your Grewia Biloba regularly, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize your Grewia Biloba once a year during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Grewia Biloba grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Grewia Biloba prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Grewia Biloba can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Grewia Biloba is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can infest Grewia Biloba.
Diseases: Grewia Biloba can be affected by root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Habitat
Grewia Biloba is native to southern Africa, specifically in Zimbabwe and South Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and rocky hillsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Grewia Biloba a good landscaping plant?
A: Yes, Grewia Biloba is a great landscaping plant due to its unique star-shaped flowers and sandpaper-like leaves.
Q: Can you eat the fruit of Grewia Biloba?
A: Yes, the fruit of Grewia Biloba is edible and resembles a raisin.
Q: Is Grewia Biloba difficult to grow?
A: No, Grewia Biloba is relatively easy to grow as long as you provide it with well-draining soil, regular watering, and adequate sunlight.
Q: How tall can Grewia Biloba grow?
A: Grewia Biloba can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Grewia Biloba:
- Grewia Flava
- Grewia Occidentalis
- Grewia Tenax
References
- “Grewia biloba.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/grewiabiloba.htm.
- “Grewia biloba.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m240.
- “Grewia biloba.” Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/65697/.
