Common Name: Kukurbicha. Tamil Name: Kalummu, Tavadu.
G. hirsuta is a shrub native to Indo-China region and grows to a height of about 2 meters. Often found around dry and deciduous forest ranges of the Western Ghat region. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; the leaf margin is toothed. The leaf is elliptic-lanceolate in shape with an unequal base and an acute tip. The entire plant is covered with white hairs. The lower surface of the leaf has white hairs and have a silky feel. The leaf measure around 5.2 cm in length. The inflorescence is in the form of a short axially cyme: 1-4 flowers. The flower consists of five white colored distinct petals. The flower across measure around 1.5 cm and the petals measure around 6-7 mm each. The older flowers fade into brown color. The flower has several stamens, the style is found above the staminal column. The fruit is in the form of red drupe. G. hirsuta is the larval host plant for Alida angle butterfly.
