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chrysobalanus

Scientific Name: Chrysobalanus

Family: Chrysobalanaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco)

Chrysobalanus icaco, commonly known as cocoplum, Paradise Plum, or icaco, is an evergreen perennial shrub or small tree prized for its ornamental value and adaptability to coastal environments. It is often pruned into formal hedges, particularly the C. icaco var. pellocarpus 'Red Tip'.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Cocoplums produce plum-like fruits that can be red, white, or blue/purple. These fruits contain seeds.
  • The plant is often used in hedges and residential landscapes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chrysobalanus icaco L.
  • Family: Chrysobalanaceae (though the text mentions Rosaceae, Chrysobalanaceae is the accepted family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Chrysobalanus icaco var. pellocarpus (G.F.W. Mey.) DC.
    • Chrysobalanus savannarum Britt.
    • Chrysobalanus ellipticus Sol. ex Sabine
    • Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schum.

Distribution and Habitat

Chrysobalanus icaco is native to subtropical and tropical regions, including:

  • Tropical Africa
  • Tropical Americas
  • Near sea beaches and inland areas
  • South Florida

Morphological Characteristics

  • Evergreen perennial shrub to small tree
  • Leaves: Alternate, simple, evergreen, 1 to 3 inches long
  • Fruit: Red-purple, plum-like with edible white flesh

Quirky Facts

  • Cocoplums can be "three quarters patriotic" because the fruits can be red, white, or blue (and yellow).

Traditional Uses and Research

  • Leaves are reportedly used in traditional medicine.
  • Research suggests that extracts from Chrysobalanus icaco may have hypoglycemic activity and alter plasmid topology.

Further Information

  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K) - Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa.
  • World Register of Marine Species