Family: Polygonaceae

Coccoloba uvifera, commonly known as sea grape, platterleaf, or Jamaican kino, is a coastal tree native to tropical regions of the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It is easily recognized by its large, round, leathery leaves with prominent red veins and its grape-like clusters of edible fruits. Sea grape is widely planted in Hawaiʻi and other tropical regions as a shoreline windbreak, ornamental shade tree, and erosion control plant because of its tolerance to salt spray, sandy soils, and strong winds. The fruits are sometimes used to make jellies or beverages, and the dense canopy makes it a popular landscaping choice in coastal developments.

Despite its usefulness, sea grape has demonstrated the ability to escape cultivation and establish in natural areas in Hawaiʻi, raising concerns about its long-term ecological impacts. It is naturalized on Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and Maui, potentially naturalizing on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll), Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, and is currently only found in cultivation at Mokupāpapa (Kure Atoll) and Lalo (French Frigate Shoals). Once established, sea grape can form dense stands that displace native coastal vegetation, alter dune dynamics, and reduce habitat availability for native species. Given its spread across multiple islands and its ability to thrive in sensitive coastal ecosystems, caution is advised, and choosing native or low-risk alternatives is recommended to help protect Hawaiʻi’s shorelines.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on main Hawaiian Islands and Texas
  
• Regarded as invasive in Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere
  
• Other species may be invasive
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms pure stands in native range
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Hybridizes with other species
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, bats, lizards, turtles, water and intentionally by people
  
• Able resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Distribution generally limited to coastal areas and lower elevations
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade (may limit ability to invade shaded environments)
  
• Ornamental and medicinal uses
  
• Polygamous – dioecious (most plants dioecious, but limited numbers may be capable of selfing and low seed set)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity in 4-8 years
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control