Grewia asiatica, Grewia subinaequalis

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Phalsa Is a large scraggly-looking bush or a small tree reaching 15-16 feet. The fruits are edible and are highly perishable. The fruits are borne in early summer and are approximately 1" in diameter. The skin of the ripened fruit is purple. It is used in India as a beverage fruit and the taste is similar to a grape although the texture reminds more of a crabapple or apple. There is a single seed in the middle of the fruit. A native of the Indian subcontinent, the Phalsa is so rare here in the US that only a handful of rare fruit enthusiasts seem to be aware of it. Used extensively in Folk medicine in its native land, the Vitamin C enriched Phalsa has now become the subject of renewed medical research in many countries of the world. The Phalsa is indigenous to India and Southeast Asia. It has been introduced in the Georgia and Florida in the USA. It is also found in Puerto Rico. Phalsa grows in many types of soil and the tree is drought tolerant. The fruit in Pakistan is used for its medicinal properties. The green fruits are known to cure stomach aches. The leaves are used to alleviate boils on the skin (antibiotic properties).

Similar plants:

• Grewia bicolor (White Raisin)
• Grewia flavescens (Sandpaper Raisin)
• Grewia lasiocarpa (Elepants Ear Grewia, Forest Raisin, Shaggy Raisin)
• Grewia occidentalis (Lavender Star Flower)
• Grewia robusta (Raisin Bush)
• Grewia sp. (Raisin Bush)
• Grewia vernicosa (Raisin Bush)
• Grewia villosa (Mallow Raisin)
• Kleinhovia hospita, Kleinhovia serrata, Grewia meyeniana (Guest Tree,Tan-ag)