Species Of Grewia Research Articles

Patterns of Grewia (Malvaceae) diversity across geographical scales in Africa and Madagascar.

Quantifying spatial species richness is useful to describe biodiversity patterns across broad geographical areas, especially in large, poorly known plant groups. We explore patterns and predictors of species richness across Africa in one such group, the palaeotropical genus Grewia L. (Malvaceae). Grewia species richness was quantified by extracting herbarium records from GBIF and Tropicos and creating geographical grids at varying spatial scales. We assessed predictors of species richness using spatial regression models with 30 environmental variables. We explored species co-occurrence in Madagascar at finer resolutions using Schoener's index and compared species range sizes and International Union for Conservation of Nature status among ecoregions. Lastly, we derived a trait matrix for a subset of species found in Madagascar to characterize morphological diversity across space. Grewia species occur in 50 countries in Africa, with the highest number of species in Madagascar (93, with 80 species endemic). Species richness is highest in Madagascar, with ≤23 Grewia species in a grid cell, followed by coastal Tanzania/Kenya (≤13 species) and northern South Africa and central Angola (11 species each). Across Africa, higher species richness was predicted by variables related to aridity. In Madagascar, a greater range in environmental variables best predicted species richness, consistent with geographical grid cells of highest species richness occurring near biome/ecoregion transitions. In Madagascar, we also observe increasing dissimilarity in species composition with increasing geographical distance. The spatial patterns and underlying environmental predictors that we uncover in Grewia represent an important step in our understanding of plant distribution and diversity patterns across Africa. Madagascar boasts nearly twice the Grewia species richness of the second most species-rich country in Africa, which might be explained by complex topography and environmental conditions across small spatial scales.

Drought Tolerant Nature of Grewia Species and Acacia Species

Global warming is a big issue now these days all over the world. Plants not only prevent the climate from abiotic stress like drought but also used for other purposes. It is the need of the present scenario to find out the drought tolerant taxa. The impact of drought in Grewia tenax and Grewia asiatica has not been studied so far; therefore the present study was conducted with an objective of studying the effect of drought on both Grewia species, by estimation of leaf expansion; and pigment concentration.  In the study, Acacia nilotica was taken as control. Relative % change in leaf length (39.97%) and leaf area (32.72%) was observed minimum in G. tenax whereas G. asiatica had the lowest relative change in chlorophyll a (35.17%) and total chlorophyll (50.46%) content. Results indicated the tolerance towards drought in Grewia species.

Inhibitory Effects of Grewia tomentosa Juss. on IgE-Mediated Allergic Reaction and DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis.

Grewia tomentosa Juss. is a deciduous shrub that mainly grows in Asia. Despite studies of other Grewia species for treatment of various diseases, Grewia tomentosa Juss. has not been studied as a medicinal herb. This study evaluates the anti-allergic and anti-topic dermatitis activity of Grewia tomentosa Juss. ethanol extract (Gt-EE). The results show that Gt-EE suppressed IgE–antigen-induced β-hexosaminidase release. The mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α, MCP-1, and TSLP, which are involved in allergic responses, was inhibited by Gt-EE in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, the phosphorylation of Syk, PLCγ1, PKCδ, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 was decreased by Gt-EE in these cells. Gt-EE also showed anti-inflammatory effects in in vivo mouse models. In passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), a commonly used mouse model, Gt-EE decreased the allergic response, infiltration of mast cells, and mRNA level of IL-4. Furthermore, Gt-EE ameliorated symptoms of DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). In DNCB-induced AD, Gt-EE suppressed the increase in mast cells, serum IgE level, expression of allergic mediators (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α), and phosphorylation of proteins (IκBα, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, p38, JNK, and ERK1/2) implicated in allergic reactions

Phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic activities of genus: Grewia

Genus Grewia belongs to the Malvaceae family which has been studied and found to have fabulous therapeutic properties, utilized for the treatment of various diseases. Our ancestors were also seemed to have very good knowledge about this species, because we can find many uses of this plant in the traditional medicinal system like Siddha, Unani, Ayurveda, etc. In these systems, various parts such as fruits were used to treat cardiac, respiratory, and blood issues, root, and bark were used as a demulcent etc. The systematic investigation by researchers on the constituents of this genus, phytochemical analysis and their potentiality has led to the discovery of various properties such as antioxidant, anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antipyretic, analgesic, anti-hyperglycaemic, radio-protective, and enzyme inhibition, etc. In this review, we have attempted to summarize all the studies done on pharmacological and therapeutic properties exhibited by Grewia species which are mainly found in India.

The Chemical Composition and Health-Promoting Effects of the Grewia Species-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Globally grown and organoleptically appreciated Grewia species are known as sources of bioactive compounds that avert the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, in recent years, the genus Grewia has attracted increasing scientific attention. This is the first systematic review which focusses primarily on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, pharmacological properties, and disease preventative role of Grewia species. The literature published from 1975 to 2021 was searched to retrieve relevant articles from databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers carried out the screening, selection of articles, and data extraction. Of 815 references, 56 met our inclusion criteria. G. asiatica and G. optiva were the most frequently studied species. We found 167 chemical compounds from 12 Grewia species, allocated to 21 categories. Flavonoids represented 41.31% of the reported bioactive compounds, followed by protein and amino acids (10.7%), fats and fatty acids (9.58%), ash and minerals (6.58%), and non-flavonoid polyphenols (5.96%). Crude extracts, enriched with bioactive compounds, and isolated compounds from the Grewia species show antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective/radioprotective, immunomodulatory, and sedative hypnotic potential. Moreover, antimicrobial properties, improvement in learning and memory deficits, and effectiveness against neurodegenerative ailments are also described within the reviewed article. Nowadays, the side effects of some synthetic drugs and therapies, and bottlenecks in the drug development pathway have directed the attention of researchers and pharmaceutical industries towards the development of new products that are safe, cost-effective, and readily available. However, the application of the Grewia species in pharmaceutical industries is still limited.

Comparison of Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Qualities of Grewia forbesii Hav. Ex Mast and Grewia bicolor Juss Fruits from Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve in Iringa District

The Grewia forbesii and Grewia bicolor fruits were collected from Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve and were analysed for proximate, nutrients and anti-nutrients compositions. Results showed low moisture contents in G. forbesii and G. bicolor amounting to 14.14 and 13.98 percent, respectively. Crude fibre percent was slightly higher in G. bicolor (33.15%) than G. forbesii (31.95%). Lipid content was slightly higher in G. bicolor (1.37%) compared to G. forbesii (1.28%). The crude protein content of G. forbesii (7.44%) was slightly higher than G. bicolor (7.00%). Total carbohydrate content of G. forbesii (68.9%) was higher than that of G. bicolor (70%). Mineral analysis indicated substantial amounts of potassium 898 mg/100 g in G. forbesii and 879 mg/100 g in G. bicolor. Calcium content was high in G. forbesii and G. bicolor amounting to 453 mg/100 g and 582 mg/100 g, respectively. Iron was high in both species (20.73–24.45 mg/100 g). Manganese, copper and zinc were substantially low. The results revealed low levels of tannin (< 1.7%) and phylates (< 0.3%). The presence of substantial amounts of nutrients and low anti-nutrients revealed that the studied species may be potential sources of nutritional food.
 Keywords: Proximate analysis, mineral nutrients, anti-nutritional qualities, Grewia species, Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve

Formulation and Evaluation of Conventional Metronidazole Tablets using Natural Gum Extracted from Grewia species

Aims: The pharmaceutical world has been paying increasing attention to the extraction, development and use of natural gums as binders in the formulation of solid dosage forms. The use of natural gums as binders is more advantageous than the use of synthetic ones due to availability, low cost, biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this study, gum extracted from Grewia species was compared with that fromAcacia in metronidazole tablets.
 Study Design: Ten batches of metronidazole tablets were formulated with varied concentration of Grewiaspp gum and Acacia gum.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; between January and December 2019.
 Methodology: Five batches of metronidazole tablets containing 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5% w/w of Grewia gum were preparedby wet granulation. Resulting granules were characterised by measuring flow and packing properties. In other experiments, five batches of tablets were formulated using same concentration of gum, with Acacia gum substituted for Grewia gum. Both sets of granules were compressed into tablets using tableting machine at a load of 27 arbitrary units. Tablets so formed were evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time, drug content and drug release profiles. Drug – excipient interaction was investigated with FTIR.
 Results: The resulting metronidazole tablets showed hardness of 5.46 kgF to 7.87 kgF (Grewiagum) and 6.06 kgF-8.20 kgF (Acacia gum). Friability percentages of all the batches were above 1% except for A3-A5 and B5 which are less than 1%. All formulations released more than 75 % of the drug content within 60 min. The FTIR analysis revealed no interaction between the metronidazole and Grewia species gum.
 Conclusion: Metronidazole granules and tablets were successfully prepared using Grewiagum and showed comparable pre-compression and post-compression properties with those formulated with Acacia.

The Phytochemical Determination from Leaf Samples of Two Grewia Species

The Phytochemical Determination from Leaf Samples of Two Grewia Species

Die anatomie en histochemie van Grewia lasiocarpa E. Mey. ex Harv. (Malvaceae)

Grewia lasiocarpa E. Mey. ex Harv is commonly known as the forest raisin(s) due to its edible red-brown 4-lobed fruit(s), which turn black as they age. The genus is easily recognised by its distinctive morphology (edible fruits, crystals, trichomes) and abundant medicinal properties (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant). In order to distinguish this species from other Grewia species, this study aimed to describe the morphology, ultrastructure of the leaves, stem bark and secretory structures of G. lasiocarpa using microscopic techniques and histochemical tests. The morphological and anatomical studies revealed the presence of glandular trichomes. One type of peltate, three types of capitate and non-glandular (simple, stellate, multangulate-stellate) trichomes were found on the leaves and stem bark of G. lasiocarpa. The histochemical investigation revealed that certain primary and secondary metabolites such as starch, protein, mucilage, lignin (polyphenols) and alkaloids are present in the leaves, stem bark and indumentum. This is the first report on the morphological, ultrastructure and histochemical studies of leaves and stem bark of Grewia lasiocarpa. This structural characterisation of the leaves and stem bark would help to distinguish this species from others in this genus, its ascertain authenticity, contribute to the pharmacognostic usage and general knowledge.

English

English

A Comparative Study on Phytochemical And Biological Activities of two Grewia Species

Background Medicinal plants are currently in considerable significance view due to their special attributes as a large source of therapeutic phytochemicals that may lead to the development of novel drugs. Herbs are staging a comeback and herbal ‘renaissance’ is happening all over the globe. The herbal products today symbolize safety in contrast to the synthetics that are regarded as unsafe to human and environment. It has been estimated that in developed countries such as United States, plant drugs constitute as much as 25% of the total drugs, while in fast developing countries such as China and India, the contribution is as much as 80%. Thus, the economic importance of medicinal plants is much more to countries such as Nepal than to rest of the world. Inventorisation of herbal drugs used in traditional and modern medicines for a country like Nepal, appears to be a stupendous task, where a number of well established indigenous or traditional systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Tibetan, Amchi, Yoga and Naturopathy are practiced along with modern medicine for the management of total health care system.Method Classic techniques for the solvent extraction of active constituents from medicinal plant matrices are based on the choice of solvent coupled with the use of heat. Soxhlet extraction is a general and well-established technique, which surpasses in performance other conventional extraction techniques. : In this method, finely ground sample of Grewia species were placed in a porous bag or “thimble” made from a strong filter paper or cellulose, which is place, is in thimble chamber of the Soxhlet apparatus. Extraction solvents was heated in the bottom flask, vaporizes into the sample thimble, condenses in the condenser and drip back. When the liquid content reaches the siphon arm, the liquid contents emptied into the bottom flask again and the process is continued. The resultant extracts were used for qualitative phytochemical analysis by color reactions, antibacterial effects by disc diffusion method and Human RBC membrane stabilization method was used to test the anti-inflammatory potential of the phytoconstituents.Findings Two species Grewia asiatica and Grewia optiva (family: Tiliaceae) from genus Grewia were studied for their phytochemical and biological properties. The result showed that the extractive value of Grewia optiva was found to be greater (2.56 % in hexane and 7.17 % in methanol) than Grewia asiatica (n-hexane 2.24% and methanol 5.04%) respectively. The test for the phytoconstituents for both species showed the presence of glycosides, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins. No any extract of both species at dose of (0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg per cup) possessed a zone of inhibition against tested bacterial strains. The potency of n-hexane extract and methanol extract of both species for Human RBC membrane stabilization test were compared with standard Diclofenac potassium. HRBC stabilization and resulted a good membrane stabilization of n-hexane extract of Grewia asiatica (40.89%, 73.57%, 78.23%, 80.07%, 80.91% and 51.95%) at (50 μg/ml, 100μg/ml, 200μg/ml, 400μg/ml, 600μg/ml and 800μg/ml) than methanol extract of both species. The result of the both species possessed similar phytochemicals and showed some membrane stabilization property which supports the traditional use.Conclusion Alkaloids were absent in the Grewia species extracts. The tested extracts have no any antibacterial effects against the tested bacterial stamps. The human RBC membrane stabilization tests were compared with standard Diclofenac potassium showed the good membrane stabilization of n-hexane extract of Grewia asiatica indicating the potent anti-inflammatory effect.Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences Vol. 2 2016 p.53-60

Grewia hispidissimaWahlert, Phillipson & Mabb., sp. nov. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae): a new species of restricted range from northwestern Madagascar

ABSTRACT A new species of Grewia L. endemic to the Sambirano phytogeographic region of northwestern Madagascar is described. Specimens of this species were annotated by Rene Capuron over 40 years ago as “Grewia hispidissima”, which he evidently believed represented a species new to science, but the name has not been validly published. Our taxonomic work on the genus in Madagascar, including a careful study of Capuron's annotated specimens and a wealth of new material, has confirmed that this plant deserves recognition at the species level. A suite of characters clearly distinguishes Grewia hispidissima Wahlert, Phillipson & Mabb., sp. nov. from all other species in Madagascar, including its large acuminate leaves and the mix of simple and stellate ferruginous trichomes that densely cover its stems, petioles, inflorescence axes, pedicels and sepals. Illustrations, a distribution map, and a preliminary conservation assessment using the IUCN Red List criteria are provided for the new species.

A New Species of Grewia L. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae) from Northeastern Madagascar

Wahlert, G. A., P. B. Phillipson & P. P. Lowry II (2015). A new species of Grewia L. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae) from northeastern Madagascar. Candollea 70: 201–205. In English, English and French abstracts. DOI: http//dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2015v702a4A new species of Grewia L. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae) from northeastern Madagascar is described and illustrated. This novelty most closely resembles Grewia thouvenotii Danguy from central-eastern Madagascar, but differs by a number of reproductive and vegetative characters. The new species belongs to the “Grewia cuneifolia group”, one of four informal species groups in Grewia sect. Grewia. In the 1970s René Capuron had been working towards a revision of Grewia and specimens annotated by him reveal that he considered the taxon described here to be new to science. While conducting an evaluation of the “Grewia cuneifolia group” from Madagascar, recent material was found that represents the same entity, making it now possible to provide a detailed description of this new species. We also provide a distribution map and preliminary conservation assessment of the new species using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

The lianescent species ofGrewiaL. (Malvaceaes.l., formerly Tiliaceae) in Madagascar

ABSTRACT Three liana species of Grewia L. are described from Madagascar, bringing to five the members of the genus on the island to exhibit this habit. Grewia manomboensis G.E. Schatz, Randrian. & Lowry, sp. nov., G. rabehevitrae Randrian., Lowry & G.E. Schatz, sp. nov. and G. rufostellata Randrian., Lowry & G.E. Schatz, sp. nov., all three of which occur in low- to mid-elevation humid eastern forest, can be distinguished from one another by several features, including differences in the leaves (size, margin and prominence of the tertiary venation), pedicels (length, diameter and trichome density), sepal size, indument type and color, and petal shape. Illustrations are provided for each new taxon and photographs for two of them, along with a range map, preliminary assessments of the conservation status of each species, and an identification key in English and French.

Diversity and abundance of insect visitors to flowers of trees and shrubs in a South African savannah

AbstractThis study presents the results of a landscape‐scale survey for insect floral visitors in the Skukuza Ranger District, Kruger National Park, South Africa. Floral visitors were sampled from flowering trees and shrubs along linear transects spanning the entire district. Six plant species were sampled in the late dry season (Acacia grandicornuta Gerstner, A. nigrescens Oliver, Cassia abbreviata Oliver, Combretum hereroense Schinz, Combretum zeyheri Sonder, Euclea divonorum Hiern), and eleven plant species were sampled during the rainy season (Acacia exuvialis Verdcourt, A. grandicornuta Gerstner, A. nilotica (L.) Willdenow, A. tortilis (Forsskal) Hayne, Dichrostachys cinerea Miquel, Flueggea virosa (Roxburgh) Baillon, Grewia bicolor Jussieu, G. flava De Candolle, G. flavescens Jussieu, G. monticola Sonder, and Peltophorum africanum Sonder). Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera comprised the majority of floral visitors, while species of Blattodea, Diptera, Hemiptera and Neuroptera also occurred on flowers. Known or likely pollinators include bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Halictidae and Megachilidae) and scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). These plant species appear to have generalist pollination systems, with the exception of species of Grewia L., which appear to be pollinated primarily by bees. A provisional plant–pollinator food web is presented for the eleven species of trees and shrubs which flower during the rainy season.

An exotic plantation crop as a keystone resource for an endemic megachiropteran, Pteropus rufus, in Madagascar

The single most important food source for Pteropus rufus at Berenty, in south-east Madagascar, is the pollen of Agave sisalana, a commercial species introduced to the area 60 y ago, which was widely available and constantly eaten by the bats during this 28-mo study. The diet of the bats at this site is unique in this respect when compared with P. rufus elsewhere in Madagascar and with other Pteropus species. The dietary breadth of P. rufus at Berenty is narrow, consisting of only 14 plant species, identified through microsopic faecal analysis and direct field observations, and three unidentified ones. The bats also eat locally cultivated and introduced fruits (Mangifera indica, Psidium cf. cattleianum, Sclerocarya caffra, Cordia sinensis and Hylocereus species) and native and endemic forest species (Tamarindus indica, Celtis philippensis, Ficus megapoda, F. grevei, F. pachyclada and Grewia species). The majority of the plant species used by P. rufus for food are located within the gallery forests of the Mandrare valley. No evidence of adjacent endemic spiny forest species was identified in their diet. Thus, conservation of the remaining gallery forest as well as retention of the sisal plantations is important to maintain the food sources of P. rufus at this site.

Rust fungi (Uredinales) on Grewia species (Tilliaceae) in South Africa, with Uredopeltis atrides comb. nov. the new name for Ravenelia atrides

The holdings of rust fungi on Grewia species (Tiliaceae) housed in the South African National Collection of Fungi (PREM) were examined. They belong to three morphologically similar, but clearly separable, species of Uredopeltis, and a species of Uredo. Each rust species has a distinct and restricted host range. Ravenelia atrides is a species of Uredopeltis and is transferred accordingly. Several specimens previously accessioned under R. atrides however belong to U. chevalieri. The specimens previously accessioned under Uredo grewiae belong to U. flava, and not U. chevalieri. Three specimens are best placed in Uredo corbiculoides.

The impact of an increasing elephant population on the woody vegetation in southern Sabi Sand Wildtuin, South Africa

In 1961, a fence was erected between privately owned Sabi Sand Wildtuin (SSW) and the Kruger National Park (KNP), which largely prevented elephants entering the SSW. In 1993, the fence was removed. This lead to a rapid influx of elephants into the SSW during the winter months, most of which move back into the KNP during the wet summer season. In 1993, the SSW elephant population was 1/1045 ha but increased to 1/305.8 ha in 1996. It more than doubled to 1/146 ha in 1998. This study was undertaken on the property Kingston, in southern SSW, to assess the impact of elephants on woody vegetation and determine why they show seasonal dietary preferences for specific tree parts. Vegetation utilisation was recorded on a five kilometer transect of vehicle track in 1996 and repeated in 1998. From the transect, species density was calculated for those trees impacted on. Trees that had been newly bark stripped were recorded in 1996 and 1998. Cambium samples were collected in summer and winter from eight tree species. Field observations of elephants impacting on woody vegetation augmented the data base. Transect analysis showed a strong correlation between tree utilisation and density. The most visual damage was of Combretum apiculatum, Acacia burkei, Pterocarpus rotundifolius and Grewia species. Tree damage increased by 73 from 1996 to 1998. Significantly higher levels of nitrogen, sodium and magnesium were found in the species most regularly bark stripped. Bull elephants were responsible for 94 of the trees seen uprooted. The results suggested that SSW can sustain the present elephant population, but further influx at the present rate of increase, will have a negative impact on the reserve.

The Correct Name for Grewia hirsuta (Tiliaceae)

Summary. Grewia hirsuta (Korth.) Kochummen is shown to be a later homonym. There are two correct names possible for the taxon, depending on how Grewia is demarcated. If the genus is treated in the broad sense as is current, then Grewia omphacarpa Miq. is correct. If Microcos is segregated from Grewia, as evidence suggests, then Microcos hirsuta (Korth.) Burret is correct. Kochummen (1973(2): 397) in the Tree Flora of Malaya created a new combination, Grewia hirsuta (Korth.) Kochummen for the shrub or small tree of Peninsular Malaya, Sumatra and Borneo long known (Ridley 1922: 301, Miquel 1859: 204) as Grewia omphacarpa Miq. and based on Omphacarpus hirsutus Korth. 1842. The explanation is probably that Kochummen believed that Miquel (1859: 204) was incorrect in giving a new name, instead of a new combination, to Korthals' species. However, the binomial Grewia hirsuta was first published by Vahl (1790), for an entirely different species from Sri Lanka and India and for this reason it was not available for use by Miquel according to the ICBN and should not have been used by Kochummen. Miquel's nom. nov. for Korthal's taxon thus stands if Grewia is recognized sensu lato. However, there is an excellent case for recognizing the segregate genus Microcos L. The species of Microcos can consistently be distinguished from those of Grewia sensu stricto by their unlobed stigmata, terminal paniculate inflorescence, involucral bracts, 3-locular ovary and unlobed fruit. Species of Microcos are usually evergreen forest undershrubs, sometimes scandent, or small trees, whereas species of Grewia more usually dominate in drier and more open vegetation types. Microcos was completely redefined and monographed by Burret (1926). Since then several workers have rejected the genus, for example Corner (1939: 262) and Hutchinson (1967: 487), but the differences between the two genera are both constant and significant. Within the order Malvales, the Tiliaceae is probably the least well investigated of families. As generic delimitation becomes clearer and Microcos is more widely accepted, the correct name for Grewia hirsuta (Korth.) Kochummen will be Microcos hirsuta (Korth.) Burret. In summary, the correct name and synonymy for our taxon is as follows:

A New Species of Grewia (Tiliaceae) from Northeast Tropical Africa

Shrub 2-3 m in height. Branches dark grey to purplish, pubescent when young, becoming glabrous. Stipules linear, c. 4 mm long, pubescent, caducous. Leaves shortly petiolate; petiole densely pubescent; lamina elliptic, 1 5-4-5 x 1-2 3 cm, acute at the apex, rounded, cuneate or sometimes truncate at the base, either green and ? concolorous or discolorous, green above and whitish-tomentose below; margin strongly crenate-serrate. Inflorescence axillary, consisting of solitary 3-flowered cymes; peduncles 4-9 mm long; pedicels 5-12 mm long. Flowers bisexual, c. 12-18 mm diam. Sepals narrowly elliptic, cucullate, densely grey-pubescent outside, glabrous and yellow inside, 6-10 x 2-5-3 mm. Petals yellow, obovate, 5-8 x 2-3 mm, with or without a nectariferous claw. Androgynophore much reduced, to about 1 -5 mm long. Ovary 2-locular with 4 ovules per loculus; style c. 5-6 mm long; stigma with 4 broad lobes. Fruit 2-lobed (or 1-lobed by abortion), each lobe c. 5-6 x 5-6 mm, sparsely stellate-hairy; pyrenes pea-shaped with a rugose surface. (Fig. 1, Map 1).