Sea Grape Botanical Name: Coccoloba uvifera Description (growth habits, light requirements & care): A large, evergreen shrub or small tree growing 6-25 feet tall. Prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soils. Wonderful coastal plant that tolerates salty conditions. One of the few plants in South Florida that changes color with a cold snap, giving you that “fall color” feel! How you can help by planting this: Stabilizes sandy soils and prevents erosion along coastal areas, while providing food for birds with its grapes. Attracts many pollinators to its beautiful blooms which dangle like pendant ornaments on the tree. A larval host plant for a rare butterfly to South Florida, the Amethyst Hairstreak. One of South Florida’s rarest butterflies, and only recently known to use this native. Flower and Fruit (color, characteristics, season): Flowers growing in pendants, covered in small, greenish flowers which bloom in spring and summer, followed by large clusters of round purple or green grapes in summer to fall. Pairs well with: Florida Privet, Wild Coffee, Bay Cedar, Christmasberry, Green Buttonwood, Florida Thatch Palm, and Saw Palmetto all work well to create a garden that is both visually appealing and provides food and cover for local wildlife.
Related
Related
Related
Related