🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Sea Grape produces edible fruit used for jams, jellies, and wine. It is an excellent windbreak and soil stabilizer, especially in coastal areas. The leaves are used for tanning leather. The plant provides habitat and food for wildlife and acts as a natural sunscreen thanks to its large, broad leaves. Cultivars with improved fruit production or ornamental characteristics are available.
Permapeople description
"Coccoloba uvifera is a species of tree and flowering plant in the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae, that is native to coastal beaches throughout tropical America and the Caribbean, including central & southern Florida, the Bahamas, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and Bermuda. Common names include seagrape and baygrape.
In late summer, it bears green fruit, about 2 cm (0.79 in) diameter, in large, grape-like clusters.The fruit gradually ripens to a purplish color. Each contains a large pit that constitutes most of the volume of the fruit."
Wikipedia
Botanical description
Coccoloba uvifera is a dioecious evergreen tree or shrub native to coastal beaches throughout tropical America and the Caribbean. It can grow up to 50 feet tall, but more commonly reaches heights of 15-25 feet. The large, leathery, circular leaves are distinctive, turning reddish as they age. Small, white flowers bloom on long racemes. The fruit, green initially, ripens to a purplish-red color and grows in grape-like clusters. The bark is smooth and grayish.
Companion planting
Sea Grape thrives in coastal environments and tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for planting near other salt-tolerant species. Avoid planting near plants that require freshwater or are intolerant of high salt concentrations. It can provide shelter for smaller, less tolerant plants.
Propagation methods
Sea Grape can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering. Seed propagation requires scarification to break dormancy. Cuttings root readily in moist soil or water. Air layering is also an effective method for propagating desirable cultivars.
History and traditions
Historically, Sea Grape leaves have been used medicinally for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties in traditional Caribbean and Latin American medicine. The sap has been used for dyeing and tanning. The fruit has been a food source for indigenous peoples and early settlers, especially in coastal communities.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs in spring and summer. Fruit ripens from late summer through fall. Planting is best done in spring or early summer. Pruning is usually conducted in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches.