Crossberry

Grewia similis

Grewia similis, photo by Michael Plagens

In shallow soil on a rocky slope near Eldoret, Kenya. December 2012.

detail of a Grewia fruit, photo © Michael Plagens

LEAVES: The margins of the broadly elyptical, dark green leaves are finely serrate.

SHRUB: Large shrub sometime three meters or more and nearly tree-like.

FLOWERS: Numerous stamens at the center of ten rays; five petals and five sepals which are colored like the petals on the upper surface.

RANGE: There are several Grewia species.

FRUIT: The fruits have four spherical lobes that ripen into orange-brown berries that are taken by birds.

UNARMED: Without thorns/spines.

Tiliaceae -- Linden Family
now included in Malvaceae

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 26 April 2013