Description

General aspect and origins - Coccoloba uvifera is also known as sea grape. This evergreen tree is native to West Indies, the eastern coasts of Central America and the Northeastern coasts of South America. This tree can reach up to 30 ft (10 m) tall, but is generally smaller, as it often grows in coastal areas, where winds tend to dwarf trees. The sea grape has large rounded leaves, and bears clusters of edible fruits.
Leaves - The sea grape has large evergreen rounded leaves, that can be up to 8 in (20 cm) wide.
Flowers - Flowers are white and scented.
Fruits - The fruit of the see grape is a small pyriform to rounded fruit, which is purple-red when ripe. It is les than 0.75 in (2 cm) wide. Fruits are grouped in clusters. The flesh is edible, and contains a single seed. This fruit is generally eaten raw, but can also be processed into jellies or drinks.

Culture

The sea grape is a tropical tree, that can whistand very occasional negative températures of about 30°F (-1°C) However, leaves are damaged at 32°F (0°C)
Soil - The sea grape is tolerant of relatively high levels of salinity in the ground. It can also withstand occasional droughts.

Propagation

The sea grape is generally propagated by seeds or by cuttings.