Raisin bush, Hazel-leaf grewia
Grewia avellana

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1.5 m high. It has several stems. The small branches have a covering of yellowish-brown hairs. The leaf blade is 2-5 mm long by 2-3 mm wide. They are narrowly oval. There are rounded teeth along the edge. There are soft hairs on both surfaces. The flowers are white. Normally 2-3 flowers occur together. The fruit have 4 lobes and are red. They are 2.5 cm across.

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 low rainfall woodland. It is often on Kalahari sands. It grows between 885-1,220 m above sea level. It can tolerate shade. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also stored. They are also pounded and used to make beer.

The dried fruit are important in some African tribes.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be cut back and will re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Makopa, Malo-a mufumahali, Mondu, Muzunzunvani, Omukopakopa, Shoba, Ubhunzu

Synonyms

Grewia calycina N.E. Br.; Grewia guazumifolia sensu Mast.;