pigeonplum, , Coccoloba diversifolia, also known as Doveplum, is a small to medium-sized perennial, sub-tropical fruit bearing tree, growing to 10 meters tall, with a dense spreading canopy, although it can grow larger. Pigeonplum is indigenous to seaward regions of the Caribbean, Central America and Southern Mexico.

Coccoloba diversifolia leaves are 3-18cm long and 1-7cm wide, rippled, alternate, near round to oval and smooth edged, leathery, brighter green above and lighter below. The leaves on young plants are larger than those on mature plants. Flowers are whitish-green, dioecious, many and inconspicuous, 1.5-1.8 cm long, born on spikes largely in the spring but the plant is flowering year-round.

Pigeonplum fruit

The fruit of the Pigeonplum is oval to round, single-seeded, 6-10 mm long achene encircled by a dark purple edible fleshy perianth, born in clusters and ripening in autumn. Pigeonplum Fruit is eaten fresh but can also be processed into jelly or wine.

Pigeonplum Propagation Methods

Tree propagation is by seed. The plant is resistant to high winds, salt and drought but is incapable of surviving hard frost. The minimum temperature would be around 1ºC. Once established, it needs little upkeep, and is great for use as a canopy tree or mixed in with other plants for screening.

Pigeonplum is fast-growing and favors full sun but does well in partial shade. It tolerates most types of moist, well-drained soils. No pests or diseases are of major concern. Coccoloba diversifolia is a member of the family Polygonaceae the genus Coccoloba.

Pigeonplum, Coccoloba diversifolia

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