Coccoloba uvifera (Sea grape)

Botanical name: Coccoloba uvifera

Common name: Sea grape

Origin: Tropical and sub-tropical America

Sea Grape is now found growing wild along many seashores and is also used as an ornamental in gardens subjected to salty winds and drought. It has stiff, rounded platter-like leaves shading from yellowish to olive green with prominent veins. The flowers are inconspicuous but the long clusters of berry-like fruit which follow are striking and give the tree its popular name. Somewhat acid in taste, the fruit can be used to make jelly. Other members of the genus have even larger leaves and make attractive ornamental plants when grown in a glasshouse. Coccoloba prefers full sun. Pruning improves the shape when it is used in a garden landscape. It is both flood and drought tolerant.