Notes on Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori: an underutilized multipurpose shrub of hot arid region of western Rajasthan

Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori commonly known as ‘Gangani’, was studied to provide scientific information pertaining to taxonomy, distribution pattern, morphology, plant growth, phytochemicals and traditional utilization in hot arid region of western Rajasthan. The primary information on distribution pattern and traditional knowledge was collected from indigenous communities. The ripen fruits and fresh leaves samples were investigated for phytochemicals. The shrub exhibited good plant growth after three years of planting in the field under protected condition of Jaisalmer. Phytochemical results showed that G. tenax contained considerable amounts of total soluble protein, total antioxidant capacity, total phenols and total flavonoids. Therefore, it could be used as food and fodder for livelihood of local inhabitant and act as a promising candidate for utilization in rangelands or in alternate land use systems in hot arid region of western Rajasthan.