Coccoloba venosa, commonly known as sea grape, is a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family. It is native to coastal areas of the Caribbean, Florida, and Central and South America. This plant typically grows as a large shrub or small tree with a rounded crown, reaching up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are large, glossy, and leathery with distinctive veins that resemble those of grape leaves. While the flowers are small and inconspicuous, they produce clusters of edible fruit that look like grapes but have a tart flavor similar to that of cranberries. Sea grape is frequently used for erosion control along coastlines due to its deep root system, which helps stabilize sandy soils against erosion caused by wind or water currents. In addition to its ecological roles, the plant holds cultural significance for indigenous peoples, who use it for medicinal purposes such as treating diarrhea or alleviating skin irritations from insect bites and stings. Overall, Coccoloba venosa is an important coastal plant with significant ecological and cultural value throughout its range.
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Coccoloba
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Other names.
