Sea grape

Description:

Shrub or tree, to 30 ft. Leaf is simple, alternate, smooth-edged, circular or nearly kidney-shaped in outline, to 8 in. across, and heavy. Veins are distinctly red. Small white flowers on inflorescence, develope into grape like fruit in size and final color in narrow hanging bunches.

Habitat:

Beach and seaside. It can get a start almost in pure sand and often serves to stabilize the upper edges of beaches. The "grapes" remain hard and green a long time, eventually turning purple one at a time. When fully mature, they become fleshy, with a sweet sour-taste, and can be used for jelly.