Scientific Name: Grewia Latifolia
Common Name: Dog’s Balls
Indigenous Use
Fruit eaten. The root was cooked in hot ashes, soaked in water and the liquid used to treat diarrhoea. Leaves pounded and placed on wounds and cuts.
When to Use
Grewia latifolia, typically produces fruit that ripens in late summer to early autumn. In Australia, this would generally be from February to April.
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Grewia latifolia are simple, alternate, and broadly ovate to elliptical in shape. They measure between 5-15 cm in length and 3-10 cm in width. The leaves have a rough texture on the upper surface and are covered with fine hairs on the underside. The margins are serrated, and the veins are prominently visible (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Bark: The bark of Grewia latifolia is grey to brown and smooth when young, becoming rougher and more fissured with age. The tree is generally small to medium-sized, reaching heights of up to 10 meters (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: The flowers of Grewia latifolia are small, yellow to pale orange, and are borne in clusters. Each flower has five petals and a central cluster of stamens. Flowering typically occurs in spring and early summer, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies (Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Fruit: The fruit of Grewia latifolia is a small, globular drupe, approximately 1-2 cm in diameter. The drupes turn from green to dark purple or black when ripe, typically in late summer to early autumn. Each fruit contains one or two seeds and is often eaten by birds, aiding in seed dispersal (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Floridata, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Eucalyptus Forests: Eucalyptus forests are characterised by their dominant eucalyptus tree species, thriving in a variety of soil types and pH levels, usually ranging from 4.5 to 7. These forests support a diverse understory of shrubs, grasses, and ground covers, and are adapted to periodic fires which help in seed germination and pest control. Common plants found in eucalyptus forests include wattles, grevilleas, and native grasses. These ecosystems are prominent in areas such as Toohey Forest, the Glass House Mountains, and D’Aguilar National Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens (2024). Grewia latifolia. Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/grewia-latifolia [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Plants of the World Online (2024). Grewia latifolia. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid
.org:names:835623-1 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Floridata (2024). Grewia latifolia. Available at: https://www.floridata.com/Plants/Malvaceae/Grewia-latifolia/852 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Isaacs, J. (2019). Bush food : Aboriginal food and herbal medicine. Australia: New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd.
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.