Chrysobalanus icaco (Cocoplum)

Botanical name: Chrysobalanus icaco

Common names: Cocoplum, Paradise Plum

Family: Chrysobalanaceae

Origin: Central America

Paradise Plum is found near sea beaches and inland throughout the tropical Americas and the Caribbean, including Cuba, southern Florida, and the Bahamas. Easy care shrub that is used often as ornamental or a hedge; it produces edible fruit.

The mature fruits are 1 to 2 inches in length and ovoid or globular. The thin skin of the fruit varies from pinkish white, to red, to purplish black. The white, cottony pulp adheres to the single large ridged seed and is somewhat insipid in taste. The cocoplum is generally stewed with sugar after the skins have been removed. It can also be used for jelly and jam, and the seeds can be roasted as nuts.

The plant is highly tolerant of salt, so it is often planted to stabilize beach edges and prevent erosion.