Plant Profile
Grewia Occidentalis
Common names: Cross-berry
Plant Type :
Height :
Evergreen :
Indigenous :
Position :
Moisture :
Soil :
Wind :
Frost :
Tree
Up to 3 m
Deciduous
Indigenous
None
Little water
Enriched Soil
Some Wind
Frost Resistant
This attractive indigenous shrub may be found in a variety of habitats ranging from arid karoo, coastal dune bush, evergreen montane forest and wooded grasslands.
It is a scrambling deciduous shrub or small tree reaching up to 3m in height.
Grewia occidentalis makes a decorative garden plant which is both frost- and drought-hardy. It will grow well if well-watered and planted in good, composted soil. The cross-berry may be planted in either full sun or shade. The root system is not aggressive and can therefore be planted near buildings and paving. It is a "must-have" species in the garden to attract butterflies and birds.
Foliage
Colour :
Use :
Other :
Identification Tool :
The leaves are alternate and simple with three distinct veins from the base. They are shiny deep green and may be slightly hairy on both surfaces. They are usually held in a horizontal plane towards the light.
Leaves are browsed by cattle, goats and game (black rhino, giraffe, nyala and grey duiker). Larvae of the rufous-winged elfin butterfly (Eagris nottoana) and buff-tipped skipper (Netrobalane canopus) feed on the leaves of this species.
Flower
Time : Colour :
Use :
Other :
Identification Tool :
Summer
Light Pink , Pink , Dark Pink , Fuschia , Cerise , Light Purple , Purple , Lilac
Other
Unspecified
- Flower morphology
Purple star-shaped flowers (measuring 1.5 to 3cm across) appear in summer (October - January),
NOTES
None
