Scientific
name
Grewia vilossa (willd.)
Family name
Tiliaceae
Local name(s)
Qoffisa/Qopissa (Konsogna), Lenquata
(Amharic), Ogomdi (Oromiffa)
General description
It is a slow growing deciduous shrub
not more than 3m height. Leaves are distinctive and the young parts of
the tree are covered with whitish silky hairs. Flowers are pink, turning
yellow with age, in small clusters without stalks opposite leaves. Fruits
are soft and hairy when matured.
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
The fruit is edible and is much liked
because of its sweet taste. Fruits
are rubbed between the palms to remove the outer skin, which is then blown away.
Children eat the fruit in normal times and
any needy people in food shortage time.
Agroecology
A shrub of the arid areas in Africa
and India, often on river banks liable to flooding, or on stony ground,
in the shade of larger trees. The species performs well in moist and wet
mid- and lowlands (800 - 1,800m).
Propagation
method(s)
Propagates by seeds and seedlings.
Sample location(s)
Mermere Kebele, Konso
Remarks
The species' roots and bark can also
be used for medicinal purposes and the wood is used for tool handles, firewood,
poles, bows and arrows.
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