Coccoloba uvifera

A new and not yet common tree in our country. A large shrub or a small tree that is semi-deciduous, dioecious and native to tropical America and the Caribbean. The tree’s leaves are leathery, green, round and broad with red veins. They turn red in an impressive display before they fall in winter. The trunk is slender and requires designing to reinforce the tree’s structure with a single trunk and to preserve the high canopy. At the end of summer, the tree bears 2-cm green fruits arranged in clusters that resemble grapes. These grapes ripen into a purple fruit whose pit makes up most of its size. The fruits are edible, juicy and sweet. They can be eaten fresh or used to produce jam or wine. The tree is suitable for hot weather and is not resistant to cold. A mature plant will be resistant to drought conditions. When planted further from the coast, it can reach a maximum height of 15 m.

The tree is very resistant to salt water spray and very optimal as a frontline coastal tree. Recently, the cities of Tel Aviv and Netanya did a planting pilot on the frontline, and the interim results look very promising. We strongly recommend trying this tree as an interesting alternative to frontline coastal plants in place of the existing and well-known alternatives.