Forest raisin, Large-leaved yellow raisin
Grewia inaequilatera
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It can be a scrambler. It grows up to 7 m tall. It has a round stem, grey branches and hairy twigs. The leaves are large and green. They are 5-18 cm long by 2.5-8 cm wide. The base is rounded and very lopsided. The edges of the leaves have teeth. The leaves are green and hairless above and with velvety white hairs underneath. The flowers are in small groups in the axils of leaves. The flower stalks are sturdy with white dots. The fruit are round but often with 2 lobes. They are slightly hairy and yellow when ripe. They are edible.
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
A tropical plant. It grows in open woodland. It grows in dry sandy soils. It grows between 245-275 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bastard silver raisin, Cisese, Cucussula, Mucacate, M'tenza, Muntesya