Chrysobalanus is a genus of evergreen perennial shrubs to small trees in the family Chrysobalanaceae, order Malpighiales. Described by Linnaeus in 1753, it is native to sub-tropical and tropical regions of Africa, Latin America, and Florida, where it grows in coastal areas as a wild plant.
The genus attains a maximum height of 25 to 30 feet (8–10 m) with a low-growing and sprawling habit; it can form dense stands and become invasive in favorable conditions. The leaves are obovate to obcordate in outline, about 2 inches long, thick, glossy, and deep green in color. Small white flowers are borne in axillary racemes or cymes; though not showy, they carry a sweet fragrance.
The fruit is a damson-sized edible red drupe with a thin black skin, resembling a large plum in appearance — oval, about 1.5 inches long. The sweet white flesh adheres closely to a large oblong seed and the ripening fruits turn from creamy tones to dark-blue shades. The fruit can be made into sweet preserved jam and is extensively used in tropical regions.
The best-known member is Chrysobalanus icaco (coco plum), widespread from tropical Africa through Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and northern South America to Florida. Other recognized species include C. cuspidatus of the Lesser Antilles and C. venezuelanus of southeastern Venezuela and northern Brazil, though GBIF currently accepts only C. icaco as an accepted child taxon.
Distribution
The genus Chrysobalanus has a pantropical distribution, native to sub-tropical and tropical regions of western and central Africa, Latin America (Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and northern South America), and the southeastern United States (Florida). It is typically found in coastal habitats.
Ecology
Chrysobalanus is found in coastal areas as a wild plant. It can form dense stands and become invasive in favorable conditions. Its fruits are presumably dispersed by animals, consistent with their edible, sweet pulp.
Cultivation
Chrysobalanus is frequently planted in gardens, valued for its attractive glossy foliage and edible fruit. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in coastal settings, and tolerates a range of conditions given its invasive potential in the wild.
Cultural Uses
The sweet fruits of Chrysobalanus species, particularly C. icaco (coco plum), are extensively used in the tropics and can be made into sweet preserved jam — a practice reported among the earliest arrivals to the low-lying Florida peninsula.
Taxonomy Notes
Described by Linnaeus in 1753. The genus is placed in family Chrysobalanaceae, order Malpighiales. Wikipedia lists three species (C. cuspidatus, C. icaco, C. venezuelanus), while GBIF currently accepts only C. icaco as a direct child, suggesting either synonymization of the other names or gaps in the GBIF backbone taxonomy for this genus.
