Care of the shrub Grewia occidentalis or Cross-berry |
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The genus Grewia, family Malvaceae, comprises 300 species of shrubs and trees native to Africa, Madagascar, Asia and South America. Some species are: Grewia occidentalis, Grewia lasiocarpa, Grewia tenax, Grewia asiatica, Grewia tiliaefolia, Grewia orientalis. Common names: Cross-berry, Four-corner. This species is native to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. They are shrubs or evergreen trees that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are glossy dark green, elliptical in shape and with a serrated edge. The attractive flowers are star-shaped with purple, lavender-pink or lilac petals. They bloom during the summer and then produce four-lobed fruits, hence their English name "Four corners." They are used to form screens, as isolated specimens and next to walls and buildings because the roots are not aggressive. They attract butterflies and birds. Grewia occidentalis can grow in full sun, semi-shade or shade exposures. They resist light and occasional frosts. They prefer a garden soil drained with coarse sand and containing organic matter. They resist drought well; water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry. They appreciate a late winter fertilization with manure or compost. They do not need pruning. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases; sometimes they can be attacked by caterpillars. They propagate by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Grewia occidentalis or Cross-berry |
 Grewia occidentalis  Grewia occidentalis  Grewia occidentalis  Grewia occidentalis |