Coccoloba uvifera is a medium sized tree belonging to the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly known as Sea grape tree or Bay grape tree, as it bears a grape like reddish or purplish fruits in clusters. Coccoloba uvifera is native of the tropical regions of coastal America and Caribbean islands.
Coccoloba uvifera is can survive extreme winter conditions till about 2 degrees Centigrade but it cannot withstand frost. The beauty of this tree is its fruits that are grape like in clusters and the leaves that turn reddish before withering off. The seeds cannot be stored for future planting, they should be planted immediately.
Coccoloba uvifera is shade and salt tolerant, and that is why it is seen in salty and sandy beach shores. It is also wind resistant that it is often planted in the beaches to stabilize beach edges. It is also planted in many common areas as an ornamental shrub. The fruits are so very tasty that they are often eaten directly from the trees or are used for making jams and jellies.
Coccoloba uvifera is a dioecious tree, that has male and female trees like Papaya that have male and female flowers on separate trees. It requires cross-pollination for the fruits to develop, and insects and honey bees help. A male tree can be easily distinguished from a female one by the flower appearance, as male flowers usually show dead stalks.
Coccoloba uvifera Uses
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- Coccoloba uvifera is a common ornamental plant which is used in landscaping, in south Florida.
- As this plant can withstand wind forces it is used as a dune stabilizer or wind breaker in coastal areas.
- Tall trees are made as a light barrier between the coastlines for the sea turtles protection.
- The grape like fruits of the tree may be eaten raw or cooked into jams or jellies, or fermented into wine.
- The tree sap is used for dyeing and leather tanning in the West Indies and Jamaica.
- Coccoloba uvifera is also used as a bonsai material, as it can attain beautiful shapes on regular pruning.
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