Felicity Writing Away: G - GREWIA OCCIDENTALIS

Good morning

It has been a few days. I was concerned that this would happen. Happily, I can report that there have been further important developments in our plans to emigrate and that is what has kept me busy for the past week. That and I have a bit of a cold, which does tend to drain my energy. I’m feeling much better today and can try to catch up with my A-Z of South African indigenous plants.

‘G’ brings us a beautiful bush/tree, which is found across Southern Africa.

GREWIA OCCIDENTALIS

Cross-berry (english) Kruisbessie (afrikaans) Mulembu (venda) Mokukutu (Tswana )Iklolo (zulu)

Grewia occidentalis, (common name: Crossberry or Lavender Star Flower) is a scrambling, deciduous shrub or a small tree of the family Malvaceæ, with attractive, rough, glossy, quite dark green leaves and trailing stems which grows wild in Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape. It is found in fynbos, thicket, and savanna biomes, and also often in disturbed areas like roadsides or forest margins.

One reason for Grewia occidentalis’ survival is that it is highly adaptable, growing in both sandy and clay soils, and tolerates a range of rainfall conditions, from semi-arid to wetter climates. These areas are ideal for the plant with their evergreen forests as well as in the bushveld and thickets. However, it is an adaptable plant which easily grows in either sandy and clay soils and tolerates a range of rainfall conditions, from semi-arid to wetter climates. Ecologically, in the wild, its sprawling nature can stabilise soil in eroded areas.

The plant is best known for its striking star-shaped flowers, which are pinkish-purple to lavender, blooming from spring to early summer (September to January in South Africa). These are followed by distinctive four-lobed, orange-red berries, hence the name "crossberry." The dense growth of the many shoots and branches provides shelter for smaller wildlife. The red-mauve fruit grows up to 2cm in diameter.

Grewia occidentalis grows up to 3 metres tall with rather slender glabrescent branchlets. Glabrescent was a completely new word for me, so I had to look it up. It’s an interesting process: According to Collins Dictionary, “the term is commonly used in botany to describe the development of plant parts, where initially hairy or downy surfaces may become smooth over time. For example, a stem might start with fine hairs but eventually become glabrous as it matures.”

CLASSIFICATION – NOT ENDANGERED

I’m happy to report that it has a very wide distribution and large population, and is, therefore, not currently experiencing any major threats with no significant future threats identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[338].

GARDENING

Grewia occidentalis bears gorgeous star-like lilac-pink flowers with a cluster of prominent, bright yellow stamens from October to January. It also bears distinctive, edible fruits which cluster together in a square or cross shape, making it a must for a natural wildlife garden. It is easy to either prune or use as a wall feature on a trellis. An important factor for smaller gardens is that the root system is not aggressive and can therefore be planted near buildings and paving.

The plant grows well in both sun and shade attracts birds and butterflies.

SPECIALISED GARDENING

Here is something new and interesting which I found for those who find this type of thing as fascinating as I do – a demonstration on Instagram on how to bonsai the Grewia occidentalis.

https://www.instagram.com/davideasterbrookbonsai/

MEDICINAL

The Grewia species are valued in many traditional cultures for their medicinal virtues and magics. While scientific studies on Grewia occidentalis specifically are limited, related Grewia species contain flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which likely contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Traditional uses align with these properties, although modern validation is sparse. The main medicinal action appears to come from the mucilage that is found in the leaves, stems and roots, which have soothing and healing properties.

Pain Relief: Some communities use root or bark preparations to alleviate pain, including headaches or body aches, often consumed as a tea or extract.

Fertility and Reproductive Health: In certain traditions, parts of the plant, particularly the roots, are used in remedies to support fertility or treat gynaecological issues, although specifics vary by community.

Wound Healing: The leaves and bark are often used to treat wounds and skin ailments where the mucilage can be extracted by maceration. A common practice involves crushing fresh leaves or preparing a bark decoction to apply as a poultice or wash, believed to promote healing and reduce infection due to its astringent properties.

Digestive Issues: Infusions made from the roots or leaves have been used to address stomach complaints, such as diarrhoea or indigestion. The plant’s compounds are thought to have mild soothing or anti-inflammatory effects.

General Health: The pounded bark, when used regularly as a shampoo, is believed to prevent the hair from turning grey

Cultural Context: These uses are primarily documented among groups like the Xhosa, Zulu, and Khoisan peoples, where Grewia occidentalis is valued not just for medicine but also for its spiritual significance in some rituals. Knowledge of its preparation is often passed down orally, with exact recipes or methods differing by region and healer.

EDIBLES

The fruit is quite pleasant to eat raw. In certain areas where the sugar content of the fruits is high, they are collected and dried for later use. The ripe fruit is used in certain areas to brew a potent beer. The dried fruits are sometimes boiled in milk to make a delicious bush milkshake!