Grewia retusifolia

Grewia retusifolia is a shrub species in the family Malvaceae. Common names include dysentery bush, emu-berry, dog's balls, turkey bush and diddle diddle.[2][3] It is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas of Eastern Australia and Northern Western Australia.[4] The species produces small, sweet, two-lobed fruit with a fibrous acidic pulp surrounding the seeds. Leichhardt described the fruits as having a very agreeable taste, which could be boiled to make a refreshing drink.[4] Indigenous Australians use the bark and leaves in medications.[3] The crushed leaves were used as a poultice to relieve toothaches.[4]

Grewia retusifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Grewia
Species:
G. retusifolia
Binomial name
Grewia retusifolia

References

  1. "Grewia retusifolia". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-07-11.
  2. "Grewia retusifolia". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
  3. Low, T. (1991). Wild Food Plants Of Australia. Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN 0-207-16930-6.
  4. Cribb, J.W. & Cribb, A.B. (1975). Wild Food in Australia. Sydney: Fontana/Collins. ISBN 0-00-634436-4.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)


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