Seagrape
Coccoloba uviferafam. Rubiaceae
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Pl. 5C9B — Coccoloba uvifera
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IOverview
Overview
Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera) is a tree and flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family, native to coastal beaches from central and southern Florida through the Caribbean and into South America. Known for its edible fruit and documented medicinal uses, seagrape thrives in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil of pH 5–8. This perennial can be found growing in areas such as Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow both as a tree and shrub, making it adaptable to various coastal environments.
Quick answers
What is Seagrape?
Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera) is a tree and flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family, native to coastal beaches from central and southern Florida through the Caribbean and into South America.
What is Seagrape used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Seagrape
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Seagrape is traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds. Its astringent properties are thought to help soothe and protect the skin.
The mechanism by which Seagrape supports skin health involves its tannins and other polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Seagrape support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Seagrape thrives in full to partial sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5 and 8 and is hardy in zones 9b-11. This perennial plant can grow as either a tree or shrub and produces edible fruit. For propagation, gardeners may use cuttings or seeds.
Light
Full sun,partial sun/shade, Partial sun/shade
Hardiness
9b-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Soil pH
5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Seagrape for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance tree that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seagrape saplings or seeds, potting mix for containers, or sandy loam for the ground.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5 and 8. For containers, use potting mix suitable for outdoor plants.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the ground or start seeds in small pots before transferring to larger ones.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly draining soil, neglecting regular pruning, using too much fertilizer, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The seagrape's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The fruit is often picked when ripe and enjoyed fresh, but it can also be used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. Occasionally, the fruit is dried for later use. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas17 regions
native (17)BahamasBelizeColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPeruPuerto RicoSuriname
Broader regions
native:Bermuda, Cayman Is., Florida, Aruba, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Netherlands Antilles, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Turks-Caicos Is.
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rubiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rubiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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