Coccoloba uvifera                                               Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

This evergreen plant has large, round, leathery leaves and grows as a shrub or compact tree with a short gnarled trunk. It is common along coastal beaches, dunes, and hammocks where it is often planted to control erosion.

The sea grape gets its common name from the grape-like clusters of green fruit that ripen to purple in August and September. The fruit can be eaten raw or used for jam and jellies. Teas made from the root, bark, and leaves are used as medicine.

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