Grewia subinaequalis

English Names: Phalsa

Phalsa is a deciduous straggling shrub or small tree growing 10 to 15 feet tall.
It is a multipurpose plant, providing food, medicines, wood, fiber and materials for basketry. It is extensively cultivated, especially in India, but also in some other areas of the subtropics and tropics, for its edible fruit, which fetches good prices in local markets.

Use: It is planted for its edible small red fruit. The fruit can be eaten raw, preserved, used as a flavoring for sherbets or made into refreshing drinks. Ground leaves treat postural infections, and possess strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, given the fruits arrival during the scorching summer months; the fruit treats dehydration and acts as a coolant.

Height: 10 to 15 feet

Difficulty to grow:Easy to grow

Care: The plant grows in both tropical and subtropical climates but will tolerate other climates, except at high altitude; however, it does best in regions having distinct summer and winter seasons. It is an easily grown plant, tolerant of a range of soils and conditions. It prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7.5, tolerating 5.5 8.

Sunlight:Full Sun.

Soil:Well-drained soil

Water:Medium or average

Fertilizer:Apply any organic fertilizer

References:

T.K. Bose, B. Chowdhury (1991). Tropical Garden Plants. Horticulture and allied publishers.
Amarjeet singh Batth (2014). Indian garden flowers home gardeners guide.
B.B Sharma (2007). A guide to home gardening.