Latin name - Chrysobalanus icaco

OK, you know this plant. You’ve seen it in the Publix parking lot, holding space in medians, and at every HOA-community across the state. But don’t let Cocoplum’s popularity as a Florida landscaping plant devalue it.

Cocoplum is a Florida native powerhouse that provides valuable fodder for wildlife, resists pest and disease, and grows easily with any level of maintenance.

If you’ve taken a closer look at the Cocoplums in the area, you may already know that there are 2 varieties, also known as “ecotypes.” The inland-growing cocoplum is less salt-tolerant with a more upright growth habit; The coastal cocoplum is more sprawling/shrubby and tolerates more salt.

All of the cocoplum varieties produce edible berries in one of 3 colors: white, navy blue, or pink. The flesh is mildly sweet and takes some tongue-work to extract the seed. 

Though I knew the seeds were edible, I *just now* learned that cocoplum seeds are ground into a spice powder known as itsekiri, omilo, or gbafilo, one of the constituents of African Pepper Soup Mix. The leaf extract is associated with antifungal, antioxidant, and glycemic regulation properties. 

Cocoplum is also commonly known as paradise plum, icaco, fat pork, and abajeru.

Size - 4-12 ft tall, commonly kept as a hedge at any height

Sun Requirements - Full-part sun

Water Requirements - Drought and salt-tolerant

Cold Hardiness - Will die or take damage in hard frost