Pigeon-Plum

Coccoloba diversifolia Jacq.

cock-oh-LOBE-ah diverse-ah-FOAL-ee-ah

Polygonaceae

Explanation of name: Coccoloba means lobed berry. Diversifolia means diverse-leaved.

Natural range: Native to Florida hammocks

Recognition: Tree or large shrub having extremely diverse (in size) alternate, simple, tough leaves.  Easy recognition is provided by the ocrea (see family notes) at each node.

Landscape uses: Popular as a tough, coarse-textured, thick-canopy native tree with attractive bark, sometimes used for street plantings in urban settings. GIL mentioned problems with potbound materials failing to thrive.