Grewia asiatica is a small deciduous shrub known as sherbet berry that produces sour-sweet edible purple berries.
Description:
Grewia asiatica, commonly known as phalsa, falsa or sherbet berry, is a small deciduous shrub or tree of the mallow family grown as a cash crop in Southeast Asia for its edible and medicinal qualities. The berries age from light yellow through red to purple and resemble our blueberries when they full ripen in summer. They have a refreshing sour-sweet taste. A mature plant can produce 3-5 kg of fruit. Foliage is green, broadly round and serrated. Flowers develop on new wood so hard pruning during dormancy is encouraged. Drought resistant once established. Pest and disease resistant. Fruit may be eaten raw, juiced for jams and jellies and used as a flavouring for desserts and drinks. Protect from winter cold in a frost-free area.
Common Name: Sherbet Berry
Family: Malvaceae (The Mallow Family)
Zone Hardiness: 9-11
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 4-6'
Width: 3-5'
Primary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Secondary Bloom Colour: Orange
Class: Evergreen
Type: Tender
Bloom Time: Spring
Soil Moisture: Average, Dry
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: Yes
Berries:
Benefits:
Deer Resistant: Unknown
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Found in habitats ranging from tropical woodland to dry, open savanna.
Award:
Geogrpahical Origin: Asia and the Pacific - Indian Subcontinent
Asia and the Pacific - Southeast Asia
Asia and the Pacific - Australasia
*The Plant Encyclopedia is updated each year to provide a representation of the plants we offer, have offered, and may offer again. However, it is not a live inventory of our stock. Not all plants will be available at all times or in every year. Use the link above to enquire about the availability of this plant. Additionally, we carry many plants that have not yet been entered into our database so please enquire if you don’t see what you’re looking for. Plants are available only for on-site sales at our nursery in Richmond, BC, Canada or for shipping within Canada. We do not ship internationally. However, if you are visiting the nursery from afar, we can arrange for the necessary permits and paperwork for you to take plants back with you to your country.