Kleinhovia hospita, Kleinhovia serrata, Grewia meyeniana

Native to Tropical Asia, Kleinhovia hospita (Guest Tree) is a small tree, growing between 10-20 ft, with pink flowers and broadly ovate leaves. It is suitable for growing in USDA Zone 9-11, requiring full sun to semi-shade conditions and regular watering.

Kleinhovia hospita is easy to propagate from seeds and stem cuttings. The stem should be cut to the base when it is still green and remove the leaves. It should be planted into well-draining, loamy soil and watered regularly, but be careful to not overwater. If grown in pots, it should be repotted every one to two years in a loose potting mix, with adequate drainage. If grown in climates where temperatures drop below freezing, it should be grown in a container and brought indoors to protect against freezing temperatures.

In terms of growing care, Kleinhovia hospita should have regular fertilization throughout the growing season, with a balanced fertilizer. Pruning is also recommended to achieve a desired shape and size, but should be done sparingly as it can reduce the number of flowers in the season.

Additionally, Kleinhovia hospita is a useful ethnomedical plant, with its bark and leaves used as hair wash for lice and juice of the leaves used as an eyewash. Young leaves are also eaten as a vegetable.

Similar plants:

• Grewia asiatica, Grewia subinaequalis (Phalsa, Falsa, Sherbet Berry)
• 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)