Coccoloba diversifolia aka Tietongue

Coccoloba diversifolia, or pigeon plum, belongs to the knotweed family. Its native range spans Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It also reaches northern Venezuela. This evergreen grows as a shrub or small tree. In Jamaica, it grows in open woods on limestone. Garden trees often reach 15–25 feet [4.6–7.6 metres]. Broader landscape estimates reach 40 feet [12.2 metres]. Their spread reaches 20–35 feet [6.1–10.7 metres]. Some trees reach 66 feet [20 metres] outside gardens.

Young trees have a narrow, pyramid-shaped crown. With age, several trunks spread into a rounded or vase-shaped crown. Dense leaves give shade throughout the year. The gray-brown bark sheds in plates, showing dark purple beneath. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each simple leaf has smooth edges and a tough surface. Leaves measure about 0.17–0.33 feet [0.05–0.10 metres] long. Their upper sides range from bright to dark green. Fresh growth looks red after the March leaf drop.

Small, pale green-white flowers grow in slender racemes. Flowers may appear all year, with peaks in spring and summer. Bees visit them. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Both sexes must grow nearby for fruit and seed. The small, fleshy fruits turn dark red to purple. In Florida, they ripen from late fall into early winter. Birds feed on them. People eat the fruit fresh or make jelly and wine. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every use or for pets.

Grow pigeon plum in full sun or part shade. It prefers moist, fertile soil that drains well. It also grows in poor soil, sand, loam, or clay. Both acid and alkaline soils suit it. Established plants withstand drought, and salt spray causes little trouble. UF/IFAS lists USDA zones 10b–11. Brief frost may be tolerated, but warm, frost-free sites suit it best. Sources differ on growth speed, from slow to fast. UF/IFAS gives a moderate rate in its main profile.

Use it for shade, hedges, specimens, or suitable street sites. Its roots seldom cause problems, and branches resist breakage. Prune young trees to build a sound framework. Street trees may need lower branches removed for traffic clearance. Fallen fruit can make paths and patios messy. Serious pests and diseases are not reported. Chewing insects sometimes damage fresh leaves but seldom need control. The hard, heavy wood serves for posts, poles, and some cabinet work.