Coccoloba uvifera aka Seagrape

Coccoloba uvifera, or sea grape, belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It grows wild in Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its range also reaches parts of northern and western South America. It grows along sandy shores and in coastal limestone thickets. This evergreen plant can form a shrub or tree. Wind and shelter help shape its size and form.

Unpruned landscape trees reach 35–50 feet [10.7–15.2 metres] tall. They spread 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres] wide. Exposed coastal shrubs may stand just 3 feet [1 metre] tall. Gardeners often keep plants much shorter as hedges or screens. Several trunks can form an upright, vase-shaped crown. The trunks may twist, and branches can droop. Thin, smooth bark has pale gray, brown, and orange patches. Thick young twigs are orange-brown. Broad, round leaves have smooth edges and a leathery feel. Red veins stand out against the dark green blades. New leaves are bronze; older leaves may redden before falling.

Small white or cream flowers grow along long racemes. Bloom comes mainly in spring and early summer. Some plants flower at other times of year. Bees visit the flowers, and plants are not self-fertile. Only female trees bear the hanging fruit clusters. Green fruit ripens to red-purple in late summer or early fall. Birds and squirrels eat the fruit. People eat it raw or make jelly, juice, and wine. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets.

Sea grape grows in full sun and accepts partial shade. It tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. It also grows in both acid and alkaline soils. Established plants withstand drought and salt spray well. Young plants need water while they become established. Hardiness reports differ: Chicago lists USDA zones 9–11, while UF/IFAS lists 10A–11. Frost can damage young growth, and prolonged cold can kill plants.

Sea grape serves as a shade tree, hedge, or windbreak. Coastal projects use it to stabilize dunes and restore habitat. Early pruning helps trunks and branches form strong joints. Hand pruning suits its large leaves better than shearing. Fallen leaves and fruit can create litter. Borers can kill branches, and galls can mark leaves. UF/IFAS reports no major disease concerns. People use its wood for furniture, carving, and fuel. Bark extracts serve in tanning and dyeing. Sources also record traditional bark and juice remedies for bowel complaints.