Common Name: Serrulate-leaf grewia, Kaori. Tamil Name: Anaikatti maram
Serrulate-leaf grewia is native to South-east Asian region and is a small tree. It is widely distributed in Indian peninsular region- more commonly found in semi-evergreen forest regions of Western Ghat. The bark of the tree is light gray colored; young shoots are lenticulate. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; the leaf margin is serrate. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 7 mm and 13.5 cm respectively. The leaves are ovate-elliptic in shape with a cuneate base and an acuminate tip. The upper surface of the leaf has a rough feel. The inflorescence is in the form of a axillary umbellate cyme. The flowers have 5 distinct petals which are white in color. The flower petal measure 1.3 cm each in length and is elliptic in shape. Several stamens are inserted at the base of flower; they have white filaments and the anther part is yellow in color. The flower has a single stigma which is fimbriate (fringed). The fruit is in the form of a drupe which turn black when ripe. Kaori is the larval host plant for Chestnut-streaked sailer butterfly.
