Sea Grape
Coccoloba uvifera
Also listed as Coccolobis uvifera, Guaiabara uvifera
Also known as Baygrape, Platterleaf, Shore Sea-grape
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical coastal tree with distinctive round, leathery leaves and grape-like purple fruits that are edible. Highly salt and drought tolerant, making it ideal for beach and seaside landscapes.
Why grow it
Sea grape outperforms most other fruiting trees in extremely saline and wind-exposed coastal settings where conventional fruit species fail. Unlike mangoes or avocados, it requires minimal fertilizer and no fresh-water irrigation once established, making it practical for low-input seaside gardens. The edible fruits ripen sequentially over several months, extending harvest compared to many tropical alternatives.
Watch out for
Growth rate is notably slow, especially in the first few years; plan for 5-7 years before substantial fruiting. Young plants benefit from temporary wind protection and consistent moisture until roots develop, despite their eventual drought tolerance. Fruit drop can be heavy in some seasons or locations, so yields may vary considerably year to year.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Caribbean and tropical Americas
Native to: Florida
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A tropical coastal tree with distinctive round, leathery leaves and grape-like purple fruits that are edible. Highly salt and drought tolerant, making it ideal for beach and seaside landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sea Grape grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sea grape outperforms most other fruiting trees in extremely saline and wind-exposed coastal settings where conventional fruit species fail. Unlike mangoes or avocados, it requires minimal fertilizer and no fresh-water irrigation once established, making it practical for low-input seaside gardens. The edible fruits ripen sequentially over several months, extending harvest compared to many tropical alternatives.
Watch out for
Growth rate is notably slow, especially in the first few years; plan for 5-7 years before substantial fruiting. Young plants benefit from temporary wind protection and consistent moisture until roots develop, despite their eventual drought tolerance. Fruit drop can be heavy in some seasons or locations, so yields may vary considerably year to year.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Caribbean and tropical Americas
Native to: Florida
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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