Scientific name: Coccoloba uvifera

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.76″ N, 64° 49′ 43.01″ W

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Sea Grape Tree (Coccoloba uvifera)

1. Leaf Behavior
Sea Grape is evergreen, but leaf turnover is frequent, especially during dry spells or wind exposure.

• Leaves are large, leathery, and nearly circular, often with prominent red veins.
• New leaves emerge reddish-bronze, maturing to glossy green.
• In coastal areas, salt spray and wind may cause seasonal leaf tip browning or edge burn.

Observation Tips:

• Record leaf color transitions and note timing of young leaf flushes.
• Watch for leaf fall under high wind or drought stress, typically January–March.

2. Flowering
Flowers are small, white to greenish, and produced in long, slender, upright spikes.

• Flowering typically begins in late dry season, often March–May, though may occur year-round in favorable conditions.
• Trees are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees.
• Flowers are lightly fragrant and attract bees, flies, and beetles.

Observation Tips:

• Document first appearance of flower spikes, especially after dry spells.
• Observe insect activity, particularly during early morning.

3. Fruiting
Fruit develops in long clusters, resembling bunches of grapes. Each “grape” is a round drupe that starts green, ripens to purple, and contains a large seed.

• Fruiting follows flowering and usually peaks from July to September.
• Ripe fruits are edible and attract birds, iguanas, and humans alike.

Observation Tips:

• Track fruit set, color change, and drop.
• Monitor fruit scavenging by animals or fruit drop after rain.
• Note fruit abundance, which varies by year and tree.

4. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Leaf turnover or stress shedding
• Mar–May: Flowering
• May–Jun: Early fruit development
• Jul–Sep: Fruit ripening and dispersal
• Oct–Dec: Canopy growth, possible secondary flowering