The cocoplum, Chrysobalanus icaco, also known as Icaco and Zicate, is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub, 1 to 3 meters or bushy tree 2 to 6 meters and rarely to 10 meters, but most commonly stays under 3 feet in height with a low-growing, straggly habit.

Cocoplum is found near sea beaches and also inland throughout tropical America and the Caribbean. It is a member of the Chrysobalanaceae family the genus Chrysobalanus.

Chrysobalanus icaco while is hardy plant to around 0°C it is not able to endure hard frosts. It does however extremely well along shorelines and is tolerant of salt so it is frequently planted to stabilize beach boundaries and prevent erosion; it is also a popular landscape plant.

Leaves are alternate, broad-oval to almost round somewhat leathery, 3 to 10 cm long and 2.5 to 7 cm wide. Leaf colors range from dark glossy green to green to light red. The bark of the plant is grayish or reddish brown, with white tinges.

The flowers are small, white or hued with pink with 5 petals, produced in axillary bunches, appearing in late spring but some flowers are present for most of the year, not too splashy, but they have a exquisite, sweet aroma. They are pollinated by bees and various other insects.

In late summertime Cocoplum bears fruit in clusters. The fruit is edible with fleshy white pulp and a thin skin and a single, large edible ridged seed. Fruit can be consumed fresh, out of hand but it also very popular in jam making. Seeds can be roasted and consumed as nuts.

Trees of the coastal form bear round fruits, 5 cm in diameter, straw-yellow with a rose blush or dark-purple in color, while trees of the inland form bear oval fruits up to 2.5 cm in diameter and dark-purple.

Chrysobalanus icaco favors a sunny, well-drained location. Tree Propagation is in general by seeds but also by cuttings. The plant once established requries very little attention.

Cocoplum, Chrysobalanus icaco, Zicate, Icaco

Interested on Fruit and Nut Bearing Trees and Plants? Stay Tuned. There is Much More to Come.

The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.