Flower Lingo

Saturday, September 11, 2010

The Florida Sea-Grape Trees

One of the most fascinating plants that I have enjoyed working with is the Sea Grape Tree. I have been experimenting with my Backyard Designs by Kim, and coming up with some really cool floral displays. The leaves remind me of Galex Leaves only they are hard leaves and not very bendable. I have found that working with their natural beauty and direction it is amazing how stunning designing with them can be. I am using them in my centerpieces for a large upcoming Black Tie Charity Event. I will be posting soon! Can't wait to hear what all the Floridians have to say (: Wow and it grows like crazy in my own backyard! Its a Green Thing(:

Sea-Grape (or Seagrape) is a Florida native and also of the Tropical Americas. Rated at about 25 feet, this tree is related to the coralvine and pigeon-plum, Coccoloba diversifolia. It can be a large shrub or a small tree, depending on nature or your training

Sea Grape has large, thick, round evergreen leaves. Young leaves are red and then turn to a nice shiny green. The Seagrape's wood is interesting and very nicely colored, varying with the amount of sun and salt exposure

The 'grapes' are the seeds and grow in nice clusters, especially where exposed to the sun. Birds love to eat the grapes and a fine jelly can be made when ripe in early summer.