Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Polygonaceae
Botanical Name
COCCOLOBA uvifera
Plant Common Name
Sea Grape
General Description
Seagrape brings to mind sand, sun, and beaches, which is its native habitat from Florida to the Caribbean and South America. It can grow into a multi-trunked tree or sprawling shrub, depending on site conditions. Its leaves are large and circular with a rounded cleft at the base. Leaf color is dull green, often with red veins, and new leaves are often red-bronze. Its fragrant flowers are inconspicuous, ivory-colored and appear on stalked spikes. Plants are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers appear on separate plants. Female plants produce elongated clusters of acidic, edible fruit that turn from green to purple-red.
Seagrapes are easy-to-grow in frost free locations, tolerant of most perfectly drained soils and very tolerant of salt, heat and drought. They are lovely in containers, and if container-grown can be moved into protected locations during the cold season. Avoid shearing seagrapes, large leaves never recover and are ugly when cut.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H2, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
20'-50' / 6.1m - 15.2m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Southeastern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
