Grand Leaf Sea Grape tree

Scientific name: Coccoloba pubescens

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 57.37″ N, 64° 49′ 44.74″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Giant Sea Grape Tree (Coccoloba pubescens)

1. Leaf Behavior
Sea Grape is evergreen, with large, leathery, round leaves, often with prominent red veins and flushed edges in young growth.

  • Leaf drop is minimal and gradual, often occurring year-round as older leaves are replaced.
  • New leaves appear reddish to bronze, turning deep green with maturity.

Observation Tips:

  • Watch for new leaf flushes, especially following rainfall or pruning.
  • Track color changes in young leaves as a visual cue for recent growth.

2. Flowering
Flowers are small, white to cream-colored, borne on long, hanging spikes (catkins).

  • Flowering typically occurs in the dry-to-wet season transition, around March to May.
  • Flowers are fragrant and highly attractive to bees and flies.

Observation Tips:

  • Monitor for flower spike emergence, particularly at branch tips.
  • Note pollinator activity, often abundant on warm, dry mornings.

3. Fruiting
Produces clusters of round, green fruit that resemble grapes, ripening to purple or reddish-black.

  • Fruiting follows flowering by several weeks, with ripe fruit present May to August.
  • Fruits are edible and may be used for jelly, wine, or fresh eating.
  • Fruit drop and animal interaction (especially birds) are common during peak ripening.

Observation Tips:

  • Track fruit color change, especially on lower branches.
  • Note wildlife presence, such as birds or crabs feeding beneath fruiting trees.
  • Monitor fruit drop and natural seedling germination nearby.

4. Growth Habit
Sea Grape can grow as a large shrub or wide-canopied tree, often wind-sculpted in coastal exposure.

  • Mature trees have smooth, peeling bark in shades of red and gray.
  • Strongly salt-tolerant and used in dune restoration and erosion control.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

  • Jan–Mar: Leaf flushes, occasional old leaf drop
  • Mar–May: Flowering
  • May–Aug: Fruiting and ripening
  • Sep–Dec: Seedling establishment and steady canopy growth
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