Chrysobalanus icaco (Coco Plum)

Native from Florida through the Caribbean and tropical America to eastern Brazil, and in western and central tropical Africa, this plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Its alternate, rounded to broadly oval leaves are leathery, glossy above and paler beneath, with smooth margins that roll slightly under. Small flower clusters have five narrow white petals, greenish-yellow sepals and numerous stamens. The thin-skinned fruits contain white pulp around a single hard, ribbed pit. Their color ranges from white or pink-blushed to purple, and the flavor varies from mildly sweet to bland. The fruit is eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies. In Florida, coastal plants form low, salt-tolerant thickets, while inland forms grow taller and more upright. Photographed in the department of Atlántico, Colombia.