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 tenax, commonly known as Small-leaved White Raisin, Phalsa Cherry or White Crossberry and synonymously known as Grewia betulaefolia or Grewia populifolia, is a South African indigenous species found in the Limpopo province. The ripe fruit is edible and is consumed by local peoples either fresh, dried, or powered in drinks.