Sherbet Berry, Grewia asiatica (phalsa or falsa)

Grewia asiatica (phalsa or falsa) was first found in India.

It is a shrub or small tree growing to 8 m tall. The leaves are broadly rounded, 5–18 cm long and broad. The flowers are produced in cymes of several together, the individual flowers about 2 cm diameter, yellow. The fruit is an edible drupe 5–12 mm diameter, purple to black when ripe.

It is extensively cultivated for its sweet and sour acidic fruit, which are sold in the market during summer months under the name falsa. The sherbet or squash is prepared from the fruit pulp by mixing it with sugar and used as an astringent, stomachic and cooling agent.

The root is used by Santhal tribals for rheumatisms. The stem bark is said to be used in refining sugar, for making ropes and its infusion is used as a demulcent/sore throat reliever.

It has become naturalised and locally invasive in Australia and the Philippines.

Sherbert berry, and tropical cherries from EatYourYardJax YouTube channel:



"Fedge", edible hedge

Planted closely together, the sherbet berries create a good-looking short hedge, that is in flower and fruit most of the summer. But remember: the Sherbet Berry will lose its leaves from a light frost and is deciduous even in mild winter climates (Zone 9) for 4-6 weeks.

Sherbet Berry is a vigorous, fast grower. While the trees are drought tolerant, you’ll need to give it consistent water for good fruit quality.

Sherbet Berry, Grewia asiatica (phalsa or falsa) is available here:

https://wellspringgardens.com/products/sherbet-berry-grewia-asiatica

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sherbet-Berry-Grewia-asiatic-Phalsa-Falsa-4-Pot/198922456

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDC3XkKDsOU

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grewia_asiatica
https://justfruitsandexotics.com/2017/04/08/sherbet-berrycheck/
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=19678.0