Forest raisin
Grewia lasiocarpa
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A straggling shrub. It grows to 3-5 m tall. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are large and almost round. They have hairs on the surface. The flowers are star shaped and pink. The fruit have 4 lobes and are red. They turn black when ripe.
There are about 200 Grewia species. They are mostly tropical. The fruit of most may be edible. These were in the Sparrmanniaceae and the Tiliaceae.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical to Mediterranean climate plant. It grows on the edges of evergreen forest. In South Africa it grows between 5-1,220 m above sea level. It can tolerate frost. It is best with high rianfall.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Seeds that have passed through animals germinate easily. Plants can be grown from seed. Seeds germinate in 4-6 weeks. It can also be grown from hardwood cuttings.
It is fast growing.
Its other names
Local names
Bosrosyntjie, Ilalanyathi, Umhlolo