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Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L., Tiliaceae)
 Phalsa is an exotic bush and usually 10 to 15 feet tall . It is native of southern Asia .Phalsa is a rare plant but easy to grow in Phoenix. It requires hot summer for fruits to ripe. It can stand light frosts which causes only shedding of leave. The plant is deciduous in the areas with mild winter season like Phoenix. The phalsa is not particular regarding soil,but it is more productive on rich soil and responds to manuring.
Falsa plants are drought tolerant. No special care is needed when the plant is established. The berries it produces need to be protected from birds.
Pruning is a very important operation in growing falsa.
Photo on the right is a phalsa plant . It is about year old and planted in full sun It started producing fruits few months after planting. This year it has hundreds of fruits.
Plant care
There is no special care needed. Phalsa plants can take the Phoenix hot sun very well. In addition, it tolerates frost very well in Phoenix. Irrigation
Plant is drought tolerant. In order to get good crop it requires wat ering regularly during summer months. As with all the fruits trees, I irrigate them 7-14 days during growing season and every 4 to 6 weeks during the winter.
Fertilizer
We have 3 to 5 inch thick layer of partially compost mulch around the tree drip line. Since it is a vigorous growing bush, it needs regular fertilizer during the summer months.
Pruning Flowers are formed only on current year shoots .Pruning is necessary for a good crop. Medicinal uses of Falsa
Falsa Fruits are very high in antioxidant.It helps in preventing heart diseases and cancer . In folk medicine of southern Asia , Phalsa fruit are use to treat stomach ache.The leaves are use to cure skin diseases .  |
