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coccoloba
Scientific Name: Coccoloba
Family: Polygonaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Coccoloba: A Tropical Genus
Coccoloba is a genus encompassing approximately 120-150 species of flowering plants. These plants belong to the family Polygonaceae, also known as the buckwheat family.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Coccoloba P. Br.
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
- Selected Species:
- Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L. (Sea Grape)
- Coccoloba cholutecensis Howard
- Coccoloba retirensis
- Coccoloba floresii
- Coccoloba ortizii
- Coccoloba gentryi
- Coccoloba johnstonii
- Coccoloba howardii
- Coccoloba ascendens Duss ex Lindau
- Coccoloba diversifolia Jacquin (Pigeon-plum, dove-plum, uvilla, tie-tongue)
- Coccoloba costata
- Coccoloba krugii
- Coccoloba microstachya
- Coccoloba pallida
- Coccoloba pubescens
- Coccoloba pyrifolia
- Synonyms (for Coccoloba uvifera):
- Polygonum uvifera Linnaeus
- Alternative Names (for Coccoloba uvifera):
- Coccolobis uvifera
- Guaiabara uvifera
Distribution and Habitat
The Coccoloba genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. One notable species, Coccoloba uvifera (Sea Grape), thrives on coastal beaches throughout tropical America, extending from Argentina to southern Florida.
Morphological Characteristics
- Coccoloba uvifera (Sea Grape): On sand dunes and beaches, it often grows as a diffuse, sprawling shrub with stout branches, rarely forming a distinct trunk. Away from these areas, it can reach a height of 20-30 feet. It is also noted for its very large and beautiful round leaves.
- Coccoloba diversifolia: Plants with spreading branches, to 10(-18) m.
Common Names
- Coccoloba uvifera: Sea Grape, Seaside Grape, Shore-grape, uva de playa. Also referred to as Jamaican Kino, Platterleaf, Shore Sea-Grape, and Uva Caleta.
- Coccoloba diversifolia: Pigeon-plum, dove-plum, uvilla, tie-tongue
Considerations for Pets
- Some Coccoloba species, like Coccoloba uvifera, can grow as shrubs with stout branches.
- Coccoloba uvifera has fruit that can be consumed.
Considerations for Children
- Some Coccoloba species, like Coccoloba uvifera, can grow as shrubs with stout branches.
- Coccoloba uvifera has fruit that can be consumed.
Ecological Role
Coccoloba uvifera is a salt-resistant species. It is now also used as an ornamental tree.
Further Information
- Florida Native Plant Society (Coccoloba Chapter, SW Florida)
- ARKive (for photos and facts)