Coccoloba diversifolia (Pigeon Plum)

Fast-growing, Coccoloba diversifolia (Pigeon Plum) is an upright, evergreen shrub or small tree with ascending branches, a densely-foliated canopy, and straight, multiple trunks. Pyramidal to columnar in youth, Pigeon Plum becomes more rounded with age. The alternate, leathery, ovate leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), are bright to dark green above, paler green underneath. The new foliage emerges a lovely reddish color and contrasts nicely against the dark green leaves. Blooming all year-round, with a peak in spring and summer, showy creamy-white flowers emerge in clusters on 2-6 in. racemes (5-15 cm). The blossoms attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. They are followed by dark red to purple berries (on female trees) borne in narrow, elongated clusters. The fruits are edible, juicy, acidic, and are devoured by birds and many species of wildlife. Light gray, smooth, and thin when young, the bark becomes mottled, multicolored, and peels in large plates, revealing the dark purplish bark beneath. Native to Florida, the West Indies, southern Mexico, and Central America, Pigeon Plum is an excellent accent plant with its compact, rounded crown, attractive mottled bark, and crop of fruits. Resistant to high winds, including hurricanes, salt, and drought, Pigeon Plum is perfect massed along fences, slopes, and shorelines or to provide shade for the patio.

• Grows up to 20-40 ft. tall (6-12 m) and 10-20 ft. wide (3-6 m).
• Performs best in full sun to partial shade in clay to sandy, moist, well-drained soils. Plants should be well-watered until established. Highly drought tolerant, this plant is also tolerant of a wide range of soils but performs best in sandy, organic soils. Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Fruit may create a litter problem on patios and sidewalks, and along streets.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to coastal areas of the Caribbean, Central America (Belize, Guatemala), southern Mexico, southern Florida and the Bahamas.