coco plum, Icaco

Description:

is a shrub 1–3 metres (3.3–9.8 ft). It has evergreen broad-oval to nearly round somewhat leathery leaves (3 to 10 cm long and 2.5 to 7 cm wide). Leaf colors range from green to light red. The bark is greyish or reddish brown, with white specks. The flowers are small, white, in clusters, appearing in late spring. In late summer it bears fruit in clusters

Habitat:

is found near sea beaches and inland throughout the tropical Americas and the Caribbean

Notes:

Commonly used as a food source, fruit was eaten raw or made into jams and jellies. Oil from the seeds was used to make candles, soap and grease. Black dye was made from the leaves, and provided decay-resistant properties to textiles and fishing nets. Caribbean countries use the bark and leaves as an astringent, to treat dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, hemorrhages, kidney ailments.