Grewia occidentalis makes a decorative garden plant which is both frost- and drought-hardy. It will grow well if well-watered and planted in good, composted soil. The cross-berry may be planted in either full sun or shade. The root system is not aggressive and can therefore be planted near buildings and paving.

14.6 Traditional Uses of Grewia tenax Root bark and root powder are utilized for looseness of the bowels and diarrhea. Root and root bark are dried in the shade and squashed into fine powder (El Ghazali et al. 1997). This 5–10 gram powder boiled in water and taken orally for 3–4 days for dysentery remedy.

Plant Overview This broad and dense shrub will reach about 12' tall and wide. It has small, glossy, dark green leaves with star-shaped, lavender flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall. It does best in full sun with regular watering.

Alcohol: The fruit of G. bicolor can be fermented into beer and distilled into liquor. Medicine: Leaves are used as an arbortifacient in Burkina Faso. Roots and leaves help in the treatment of pain in the intercostal area.