Sea Grape (Coccoloba Uvifera)

This sturdy, worthy tree of the tropical American coasts has a habit of stretching itself along the sand and pushing its heavy limbs through the undergrowth. The Sea Grape is as ubiquitous along the coastline of tropical America as the Coconut and possesses a unique beauty. Its trunk features smooth, pale grey bark that flakes in large patches to reveal the creams and salmons of the inner layers. The leaves are stiff, leathery platters with prominent, waxy, bright red veins. As they age, they turn vibrant shades of orange and red.

Small, white or greenish-white nectar-rich flowers are held in erect, narrow spikes and are popular with honeybees. As the flowers fade and the fruit begins to form, the weight of the fruit causes the spike to bend downward. The fruit is the most astonishing feature of this species: mellow, sweet, succulent, reddish-purple grapes that are delicious and widely enjoyed as fresh fruit.

The Coccoloba uvifera is truly a garden designer’s tree, not only because of its dynamic physique but also for its versatility. Completely salt- and wind-resistant and adaptable for many uses, the Sea Grape can be left to grow into its characteristic natural form, lightly pruned during its early growth period to form a windscreen or hedge, or shaped into a small shade tree.