TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Grewia sp.

Raisin Bush
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Grewioideae
Origin: South Africa
USDA Zone: 8-11?

Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

A deciduous shrub. It is hardy to zone 8 -11. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).

The plant prefers light sandy, medium loamy and heavy clay soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic soils. It can grow in semi-shade, light woodland or no shade. It requires moist soil. Succeeds in most soils. Propagation: seed - sowing the seed in late winter in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

The fruit is about the size of a pea. The fruit are edible raw or cooked, a pleasant acid taste.

Other Uses: fiber, paper, wood. A fibre is obtained from the bark, it is used in paper and rope making but is not very durable. The fibers are 1-1.6mm. Wood - tough and elastic but with a very unpleasant odor when first cut. It is used for making oar shafts, tool handles etc.

Species and varieties:

Grewia bicolor

Grewia flavescens

Grewia hexamita

Grewia lasiocarpa

Grewia microthyrsa

Grewia monticola

Grewia olukondae