Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Meet the Natives: Seagrape
This week we are talking about South Florida’s well-known and loved seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera)!
Seagrape are a woody shrub or tree found throughout coastal areas of Central and South Florida.
“They are a key species in coastal forests and uplands, providing erosion control, and helping to stabilize our coastlines. Once established, these trees are drought and salt spray tolerant, with the ability to survive occasional saltwater inundation,” said SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sophie Carpenter.
In an effort to preserve Florida’s coastal ecosystems, seagrape growing in coastal plant communities are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and cannot be damaged or destroyed without a permit.
Typically, seagrape prefers full sun to part-shade and well-draining sandy soils. They are moderately quick growing, and can grow 25-35 feet high, with a sprawling canopy of 20-30 feet across. Along coastlines, seagrape typically stays on the smaller side, reaching heights closer to 10-15 feet.
“Seagrape have distinct large oval leaves, and the new growth is typically a showy red to orange color,” Carpenter said. “They are also dioecious — meaning there are separate male and female trees.”
Seagrape flowers primarily in the spring and into early summer producing strings of white flowers. Following their blooms, seagrape produce their iconic grape-like fruits, which typically mature by late summer. These fruits are edible and can be made into jams or jellies.
“Unfortunately, seagrape are very cold sensitive, and do not do well if exposed to freezing temperatures,” Carpenter said.
Seagrapes fragrant flowers attract both native butterfly and bee species. The tree’s large canopy provides shelter and habitat for many wildlife species, and the tasty fruit is consumed by many species.