Common Name:

pigeon plum

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Coccoloba diversifolia

Family:

Polygonaceae

Form:

shrub

Size:

30-40 (60) ft tall by 10-20 ft wide

Life Span:

long-lived perennial; relatively long-lived (Nelson 2003)

Flower Color:

white, yellow

Fruit Color:

purple

Phenology:

evergreen; blooms year-round, but predominantly spring-summer

Noted For:

Recommended Uses:

Shade tree.  Narrow crown is said to make it a good choice for avenues, narrow entryways, and areas between houses. Can be used as a large container plant.

Considerations:

Availability:

Propagation:

seed

Light:

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Humus (organic, upland), Sand

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

9B, 10A, 10B, 11

Wildlife:

Fruits are used by birds and other wildlife.

Nectar plant for large orange sulphur (Phoebis agarithe), Schaus' swallowtail (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus) and other butterflies.

Pollinated by bees.

Native Habitats:

Coastal uplands

Natural Range in Florida:

Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants

Ethnobotany:

The Miccosukee Indians of the Big Cypress Swamp are reported to relish the fruit, and they are also popular in outdoor markets in the Caribbean. Juice from the fruit is supposed to make a very good jelly and a fine wine (Osorio, 2001).

General Comments: