Sea Grape

Seagrape Coccoloba uvifera, or Seagrape, is a hardy, salt-tolerant, evergreen tree or shrub native to coastal areas of Florida, the Caribbean, and Central/South America, known for its large, round, leathery leaves with red veins and clusters of edible, grape-like fruit that ripen to purple. Valued for erosion control, windbreaks, and as an ornamental plant, it thrives in full sun, sandy soil, and is very cold-sensitive, making it ideal for warm, coastal landscapes. The plant is dioecious (separate male and female plants), and the fruit is used for jelly, while the plant provides habitat for wildlife.

Key Characteristics

• Leaves: Large, round, leathery, and evergreen, with distinctive red veins that turn the whole leaf red before it falls.
• Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, ivory-colored flowers on long spikes, blooming in spring/early summer.
• Fruit: Green, grape-like clusters that ripen to a deep purple in late summer; edible and used for jelly.
• Size: Can grow 35–50 feet tall, often with a vase-like shape.
• Habitat: Thrives in full sun, sandy, well-draining soil, and is highly tolerant of salt spray, wind, and drought once established.