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Cross-berry
Grewia occidentalis
SA tree no: 463
English: Cross-berry, Four-corners, Four-corner, Buttonwood
Afrikaans: Kruisbessie, Knoppiesboontjie, Assegaaibos, Bruidsbos
Xhosa: umNqabaza, umVangazi, umHlakothi
Zulu: iLalanyathi, umHlalampunzi, umTambo
N. Sotho: Mogwane
S. Sotho: Moretlwa
Siswati: umSipane
Tsonga: Nsihana
Tswana: Mokukutu
Venda: Mulembu
Historical scientific names: Grewia polycephala, Grewia rudis, Grewia microphylla
Grewia occidentalis, widely known as the Cross-berry or Knoppiesboontjie, is a versatile and attractive indigenous shrub or small tree native to Southern Africa. It is highly valued for its striking purple, star-shaped flowers that bloom for extended periods, followed by distinctive four-lobed fruits resembling a cross, from which it gets its common name.
This adaptable plant is widely distributed and is a popular choice for indigenous gardens, not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its edible fruits and its ability to attract a variety of birds and other wildlife.
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Distinguishing features:
Star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens, typically in shades of purple, pinkish-mauve, or sometimes white.
Distinctive four-lobed (or sometimes 2-, 3-, or 5-lobed) fruits that turn from green to reddish-brown or purple when ripe.
Leaves that usually have three prominent veins originating from the base and are often serrated.
Highly variable growth habit, ranging from an erect shrub to a scrambling climber or a small tree.
Its sweet, edible fruits that are relished by birds and various mammals.
Overall appearance:
Grewia occidentalis is a highly adaptable and variable plant, capable of growing as an erect, multi-stemmed shrub, a scrambling climber, or a small, slender tree. It typically forms a dense, bushy shape with arching branches. It is semi-deciduous to evergreen, retaining its foliage in milder climates.
Height:
As a shrub, it generally reaches 2-3 metres in height. As a small tree, it can grow up to 5 metres tall, and as a climber, it can scramble much further.
Width:
It has a spreading habit, typically growing 2-4 metres wide, but can sprawl much wider when allowed to ramble.
Leaves:
The leaves are simple, alternate, and generally elliptic to ovate or oblong in shape, measuring about 2-8 cm long. They are shiny dark green above and paler below, often with finely serrated or toothed margins. A key identifying feature is the presence of three prominent veins that originate from the base of the leaf blade.
Flowers:
The flowers are star-shaped and quite showy, typically 2-3 cm in diameter. They usually have five petals and are a beautiful shade of purple, pinkish-mauve, or sometimes white. They are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils.
Flowering season:
Grewia occidentalis has a long flowering season, generally from spring to autumn (September to March in South Africa). In Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape, it would have completed its main flowering season but can still produce sporadic blooms in June.
Fruits:
The fruits are the most distinctive feature, giving the plant its common name. They are hard, woody capsules, typically with four lobes (though they can have 2, 3, or 5 lobes), forming a cross-like shape. They are about 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter, turning from green to reddish-brown or purple when ripe. The fruits are fleshy and sweet, much loved by birds and other animals.
Seeds:
The small seeds are contained within the hard, woody lobes of the fruit. They are typically dispersed after the fruit is consumed by animals.
Bark:
The bark is smooth and greyish-brown on younger stems, becoming rougher and slightly fissured with age.
Stems:
The stems are slender, strong, and flexible, often reddish-brown on new growth. They can be trained to grow as a small tree or allowed to scramble.
Wood:
The wood is tough and flexible. Historically, it has been used for making bows, baskets, and other implements due to its pliability.
Roots:
It has a well-developed, non-invasive root system, making it suitable for planting near structures.
Soil type:
This plant is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, provided they are well-drained. It tolerates poor soils but thrives in rich, well-composted soil.
Aspect:
It grows best in full sun to semi-shade. While young plants may benefit from some protection from severe frost, mature plants are moderately frost hardy and can withstand light to moderate frost, though they may experience some leaf drop. It is also quite wind tolerant.
Edibility:
The ripe fruits are sweet, juicy, and edible for humans. They can be eaten fresh or used to make various food products.
Toxicity:
Grewia occidentalis is not considered toxic to humans or animals. Its fruits are widely consumed.
Uses:
Food: The ripe fruits are eaten fresh. They can also be dried for later use, or used to make traditional beer and other beverages.
Medicinal: Various parts of the plant, especially the roots, are used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, coughs, colds, fever, and to alleviate pain.
Ornamental: An attractive and versatile garden plant, suitable for use as a shrub, screen, informal hedge, groundcover (when allowed to sprawl), or trained as a small tree or climber.
Wildlife Food: The fruits are a significant food source for many bird species, including starlings, bulbuls, mousebirds, and francolins, as well as various mammals. The leaves are browsed by cattle, goats, and wild game.
Craft: The tough, flexible wood and bark fibres have been traditionally used for weaving baskets, making bows, fishing traps, and binding material.
Soil Stabilisation: Due to its adaptable nature and spreading root system, it can be used for soil stabilisation and erosion control.
Ecology:
Grewia occidentalis is an important ecological species. Its fruits provide food for a wide range of birds (including starlings, mousebirds, barbets, bulbuls, and francolins) and various mammals (such as monkeys and small antelope). The leaves are browsed by livestock (cattle, goats) and wild game (like kudu and impala). Its flowers attract numerous pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity. It is a known larval host plant for several butterfly species, including the Common Sailer (Neptis saclava).
Distribution and habitat:
Grewia occidentalis is one of the most widely distributed indigenous plants in South Africa, found in all nine provinces (Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, and Western Cape). Its range extends northwards into Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is highly adaptable and grows in diverse habitats, including forest margins, bushveld, thicket, rocky outcrops, riverine fringes, open grassland, and even suburban gardens.
Derivation of name:
Grewia: The genus name honours Nehemiah Grew (1641-1712), a notable English botanist, plant anatomist, and physician, considered one of the founders of plant anatomy.
occidentalis: The specific epithet is Latin for "western," likely referring to its distribution in the western parts of Southern Africa when it was first described, or perhaps its westward spread from a point of origin.
Historical aspects:
Grewia occidentalis has a long and significant history of traditional use by indigenous communities across Southern Africa. Its fruits have been a readily available food source for centuries, either eaten fresh or processed into drinks and dried snacks. Its roots and bark have been integral to traditional medicinal practices for various ailments. The flexible wood has also been historically important for crafting tools and implements, highlighting its multi-faceted value to people throughout its distribution range.
Interesting facts:
Its common name "Cross-berry" comes from the unique four-lobed shape of its fruit, which looks like a little cross!
The star-shaped purple flowers are not only beautiful but also produce a sweet nectar that attracts bees and butterflies to your garden.
The fruit, though small, is quite sweet and can be eaten fresh, or even used to make traditional beer in some areas.
This plant is incredibly tough and adaptable, growing happily in almost every province of South Africa and in a wide range of habitats.
Its wood is so flexible that it has been traditionally used to make bows and weave baskets, showing its amazing versatility!
Growing tips:
Light: Prefers full sun for optimal flowering and fruiting, but tolerates semi-shade.
Soil: Highly adaptable to most well-drained soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Enriching with compost is beneficial but not strictly necessary.
Watering: Water regularly during its establishment phase (first year). Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.
Frost Protection: Young plants may need protection from severe frost. Mature plants are generally frost hardy, though they may experience some leaf drop in very cold conditions.
Propagation: Easily propagated from fresh seeds (clean thoroughly before sowing) or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring or summer.
Growth Rate: Has a moderate to fast growth rate, especially in good conditions.
Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain a desired shape, whether as a dense shrub, a small tree, or to encourage a climbing habit. Prune after flowering.
Placement: Excellent as a standalone specimen, informal hedge, screen, or for mass planting. Its spreading nature also makes it suitable for rambling over banks or trellises.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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