Seagrapes (Cocoloba uvifera)

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seagrape flowers

Seagrape tree, Coccoloba uvifera, are commonly found on St. John’s sheltered beaches growing at the edge of the sand. These seagrapes can grow into a tall trees some as much as 30 feet high.

low-lying seagrapes

Seagrapes can also be found on windy exposed beaches and low hillsides. They adapt to these windy conditions by taking the shape of squat a low lying bushes.

sea grape clusters

The female sea grape grows grape-like clusters of fruit, which turn purple when they are ripe. They can be eaten plain or made into preserves or wine. You can write on the leaves with a sharp stick or pointed object, a characteristic that led them to be used as playing cards by early setters to the islands.