Grewia optiva, the bhimal, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae, native to the Indian Subcontinent.[2]

Grewia optiva
Leaves and fruit
Botanical illustration
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Grewia
Species:
G. optiva
Binomial name
Grewia optiva
Synonyms[2]

Grewia oppositifolia Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.

A small tree, it has a number of agro-forestry uses. It is a good forage species, particularly in winter when no other leafy green fodder is available. Bhimal is one of the species preferred most by cattle. It is used in agro-forestry systems in the western Himalaya, in an intercropping system with plants such as taro (Colocasia esculenta) and turmeric (Curcuma longa). The resilient timber is used for firewood, and for items such as bows, oars, poles, and tool handles.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI); Lakhey, P.; Pathak, J. (2022). "Grewia optiva". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T150220524A152201442. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T150220524A152201442.en. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Grewia optiva J.R.Drumm. ex Burret". Plants of the World Online. Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  3. ^ Heuzé, V.; Tran, G.; Hassoun, P.; Lebas, F. (15 July 2019). "Bhimal (Grewia optiva)". Feedipedia – Animal Feed Resources Information System. Feedipedia, a programme by INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. Retrieved 25 May 2021.