Platterleaf (Coccoloba uvifera, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1007 (1759))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: (L.) L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1007 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Coccoloba

Vegetable: False

Observations: Florida to Peru, Caribbean to N. South America

Description

Platterleaf, scientifically known as Coccoloba uvifera, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Polygonaceae family. The species was first formally described in the 10th edition of “Systema Naturae” in 1759 by the renowned taxonomist Carl Linnaeus. This robust and resilient plant has carved a niche for itself from the sunny shores of Florida to the diverse ecosystems of Peru, and from the picturesque islands of the Caribbean to the northern stretches of South America.

Platterleaf is often found thriving in coastal environments, where its hardy nature allows it to withstand saline conditions and strong ocean breezes. The plant is characterized by its large, round evergreen leaves, which can span several inches in diameter, creating a visually striking appearance that contributes to its common name. The thick, leathery texture of the leaves acts as a natural barrier to moisture loss, essential for survival in its native habitats.

In addition to its impressive foliage, Coccoloba uvifera produces clusters of grape-like fruits. These fruits, appearing after the small, inconspicuous flowers, mature to a rich, purplish hue and are edible, although they are more commonly utilized by local wildlife than by humans.

Coccoloba uvifera is not just a plant of beauty and resilience but also plays an essential ecological role in its native regions. Its extensive root systems help to stabilize sandy coastal soils, protecting against erosion and maintaining the integrity of beach environments. This stabilization is particularly critical in areas prone to the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes.

The species is well-regarded not only for its environmental importance but also for its cultural significance in many coastal communities, where it is sometimes used in traditional practices and as a natural barrier against the elements.

With a wide distribution range and a variety of uses, Coccoloba uvifera, the Platterleaf, continues to be a subject of interest both for botanists and those interested in coastal conservation efforts. Whether admired for its aesthetic appeal or valued for its ecological contributions, this versatile plant remains a vital component of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: jamaican kino, seagrape, platterleaf, sea-grape, shore sea-grape, sea grape, bay grape
Deu: meertraubenbaum
Spa: uvita de playa, uva caleta, uva de playa, uvero
Por: baga-de-praia, uva-da-praia
Swe: havsdruva
Fra: raisinier bord de mer
En: Platterleaf, Shore sea-grape, Jamaican kino, Sea-grape, Seagrape, Seaside-Grape, Sea Grape, Bay grape, Jamaica Kino, Kino, Uva de playa, Common seagrape, Platter-leaf, Seaside grape, Shore grape
Zh: 海葡萄
Cs: Hroznovník obecný
Nl: Stranddruif
Eo: Uva kokolobo
Fi: Norsunkorva
Fr: Raisinier bord de mer, Raisin de mer, Raisin bord de mer, Coccoloba uvifera, Kino, Cipo branco de pernambuco, Raisin marine, Raisinier, Raisinier des bords de mer, Uva da praia
De: Meertraubenbaum, Seetraube, Coccoloba uvifera, Gemeine seestraube
Ht: Rezen bòdmè
Hu: Tengeriszőlő
Ml: കടൽമുന്തിരി
Fa: انگور دریایی
Pl: Kokkoloba gronowa
Pt: Uva-da-praia, Baga-de-praia
Pt-br: Cocoloba, Uva-do-mar
Ru: Кокколоба ягодоносная
Es: Uva caleta, Uva de playa, Uvero, Uvita de playa, Zapatero, Arahueque, Cumare blanco, Manzano, Micongo, Nula, Palo mulato, Papaturro, Papatón, Uva de la costa, Uva de la playa, Uva de mar, Uverna, Uvero de playa, Uvero macho
Sv: Havsdruva
Zh-tw: 海葡萄
Zh-hant: 海葡萄
Uk: Морський виноград
Vi: Nho biển

Synonyms

• Polygonum uviferum (L.)
• Guaiabara uvifera ((L.) House)
• Coccolobis uvifera ((L.) Crantz)

Distribution

• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Gilbert Is. (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Line Is. (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Phoenix Is. (introduced)
• Pitcairn Is. (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Wake I. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Angelika Gregory (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 31, 2014 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by MaiteO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Pia Makela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Sanchez Johnny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2016 by Ina Beuel (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 25, 2014 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Gaelle Plassart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by MaiteO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2021 by Mélanie Herteman (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2021 by Mélanie Herteman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2021 by Aby Cantin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by lucas lechaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by DCC (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 16, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Marc CHOUILLOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by DCC (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888831)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:693918-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 5.0