Giant raisin, Large flowered yellow Grewia
Grewia hexamita

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows up to 5 m tall. It has branches from near the base which spread out widely. The young branches are covered with red hairs. The leaves are oval and the edges have teeth. They are shiny green above and whitish grey underneath. Leaves are 2.5-13 cm long and 9 cm across. The base of the leaf is lopsided. The flowers are yellow. They are honey scented. They are 2.5 cm across. The fruit have 2 lobes and are hairy and shiny. They are about 2 cm across. They are red. The fruit 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. They grow in river valleys. It must be in a frost free area. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are easily grown from fresh seeds. The seeds should be soaked in water for a few days before planting. Seedlings can be transplanted at the 2 leaf stage.

Seedlings grows slowly at first.

Its other names

Local names

Gukhuna, Gukuna, Mohwana, Mukukuna, Murabvapfene, Nsihana, Nsihani, Reuserosyntjie, Sipane, Tzela, Umsipane, Umsiphane lomkhulu

Synonyms

Grewia messinica Burtt. Davy & Greenway; Grewia hermannioides Harv.; Grewia schweickerdtii Burret;