Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera)
Tropical Beachfront Beauty with Edible Fruit and Lush Leaves
Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera) is a salt-tolerant, evergreen coastal tree or shrub native to Florida, the Caribbean, and tropical parts of the Americas. It’s beloved for its large, round, leathery leaves with bright red veins, and its namesake grape-like fruit clusters that ripen to a deep purple and can be eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies, and wine.
Perfect for windbreaks, edible hedges, or tropical landscaping, Sea Grape is extremely drought- and salt-tolerant, thriving in sandy soil and hot sun. It supports wildlife, attracts pollinators, and provides coastal erosion control—making it both beautiful and ecologically valuable. Whether you’re planting it for the fruit, the privacy, or the beachy vibes, Sea Grape brings a relaxed, tropical charm to any setting.
Why You'll Love It:
- Produces edible grape-like fruit for jams, wine, or snacking
- Stunning red-veined foliage and coastal windbreak value
- Native to Florida and beloved by birds and pollinators
- Thrives in sandy, salty, drought-prone conditions
- Perfect for food forests, beachfronts, and tropical landscapes
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with sandy or well-drained soil
- Tolerates wind, salt spray, and poor soils—great for coastal gardens
- Prune to maintain shrub form or let grow as a small tree
- Harvest fruit when dark purple and fully ripe
- Water moderately during establishment, then reduce—drought-tolerant when mature