About Coccoloba diversifolia Jacq.
Pigeonplum, scientifically Coccoloba diversifolia Jacq., is a small to medium-sized tree that typically reaches 10 meters in height, and rarely grows as tall as 18 meters. Its bark is light gray, smooth, and thin, though the bark of the largest trees can develop a scaly texture. The leaves measure 3–13 cm long and 1–7 cm broad. They have smooth, wavy edges, an oval to oblong shape, and rounded or pointed tips. The leaves are leathery, with a brighter green color on the upper surface and a paler green on the lower surface. Leaves growing on young plants and root sprouts are larger than leaves found on mature plants. Numerous, inconspicuous flowers grow on spikes that are 1.5–18 cm long. The flowers first appear in spring, and can bloom throughout the entire year. The fruit is a 6–10 mm long achene, surrounded by a dark purple, edible fleshy perianth. The fruit ripens in the fall. This tree cannot survive hard frosts, but it is resistant to high winds, salt, and drought.
