The large flowering plant genus Grewia is today placed by most authors in the mallow family Malvaceae. Formerly, Grewia was placed in either the family Tiliaceae or the Sparrmanniaceae. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus, in honour of the botanist Nehemiah Grew (1641-1712) from England. Grew was one of the leading plant anatomists and microscope researchers of his time, and his study of pollen laid the groundwork for modern-day palynology.

Grewia monticola, synonymously known as Grewia cordata or Grewia discolor and commonly known as Cross Berry, Donkey Berry, Grey Raisin, Raisin Bush or Silver Raisin In English and Vaalrosyntjiebos in Afrikaans is a South African indigenous species found in the Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West. Grewia monticola has beautiful, bright yellow flowers. It is a frost-resistant, hardy shrub or small tree that is adaptable to all soils, from clay to sand, and does not require much water. Its fruits are edible and are also irresistible to birds.