The Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera), native to the sandy seashores of
tropical America, usually forms a low shrub or small tree. The stiff,
roundish leaves may measure 8 by 7 inches (20 by 17.5 cm) and have
prominent veins.
The attractive appearance of the leaves on the flexuous branches and the
resistance of the plant to damage by salt make it valuable as an
ornamental for ocean-side homes.
Small white flowers are produced on
slender, hanging racemes 4 to 10 inches long (10 to 25 cm). As many as
40 or 50 fruits may be found on a single cluster, giving the appearance
of a bunch of grapes.
The velvety fruits are round to pear-shaped, about 3/4 of an inch long
(2 cm), and range from dark purple, to purple, to occasionally off
white. The edible pulp surrounds a globular seed with a short sharp
point on the top. The pulp is sweetish-acid in flavor and is eaten out
of hand or is used to make an excellent jelly.
The sea grape can be readily propagated by seeds and by cuttings of ripe wood. Excellent Houseplant and Bonsai material.
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