(Coccoloba uvifera L.) Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
Not many trees symbolize being one of the first landward plants of the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean more than the Sea Grape.
This exceptionally salt tolerant large shrub to small tree can be found growing wild in coastal locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. It naturally occurs in Florida from the Keys northward to coastal Pasco and Volusia Counties.
As a hedge for privacy, as a massed planting selection for slope and dune stabilization for highways and beaches, this tough and attractive plant is hard to beat.
Plant Sea Grape in full sun or part shade in dry, sandy soil. Growth is rapid, between 3’ and 5’ a year, and once established, is an exceptionally drought tolerant plant.
Salt breeze and periodic saltwater flooding does not bother this plant, but cold weather will. In the more northern areas of its range it is not uncommon to see its leaves turn brilliant hues of orange, red or purple during winter cold.
Sea Grape does not perform well in the cooler northern, eastern and inland sections of Hillsborough County due to freeze damage, and is much better suited west of U.S. Highway 41 (the Tamiami Trail) in that County. It should strictly be limited to locations west of U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco County, and only be used in protected coastal locations in Hernando County. It will, however, perform well throughout most of Pinellas County.
Height: 3’ to 35’ tall, but typically 15’.
Spread: 10’ - 50’
Leaves: Orbicular; alternate; simple; entire; 8”-12” wide, 6”-8” long, possibly bigger; thick; leathery; dark green and shining above with prominent red veins on both sides. Often broader than long. Rounded at tip, heart shaped at base, with entire and wavy margins.
Fruit: Round; 0.5” – 1”; grape-like; fleshy; blue-purple or greenish white; ripening in late summer or year around, a jelly can be prepared from the fruits.
Bark: Thick; smooth; light brown; marked by large irregular pale blotches.
Twig: Color dark orange; stout; smooth except for oblong pale lenticels.
Seed: Solitary; hard; light red; surrounded by thin watery flesh.
Flowers: Summer or all year around; inconspicuous; arranged on thick stemmed spikes, 6’-14” long at ends of twigs and axils of leaves.
Plant in full sun or part shade. Will tolerate sandy alkaline soils, as well as clay and loam. Examples locally can be found on the slopes of Interstate 275 at the North Rest Area interchange of the Sunshine Skyway in Pinellas County and along the Fishing Pier parking lot at Picnic Island Park in Tampa.
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