Malvaceae
Grewia plagiophylla
Slanting Cross-berry · Mkone
Small/Medium Tree
21 small available right now.
About
This indigenous shrub or small tree can reach up to 7.5 metres tall and typically forms a spreading crown. It features grey bark, smooth on young branches and fissured on older stems. Its asymmetrical leaves are often widest towards the tip, shiny above, and densely hairy and grey-green beneath. Yellow flowers grow in branched heads, giving way to edible, two-lobed fruits, which turn yellowish-red when ripe.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal Kilifi gardens, this species thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to most soil types, from clay to sand. It serves well as a shade tree, an ornamental specimen, or for restoration in bushland and wooded grasslands.
Growing notes
Once established, the Slanting Cross-berry requires little water and exhibits moderate drought tolerance. It tolerates high temperatures and dry conditions but is not frost-hardy. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: worldagroforestry.org, selinawamucii.com, jstor.org, picturethisai.com, botanyjournals.com, researchgate.net. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.