Coccoloba diversifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coccoloba diversifolia |
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Coccoloba
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| Species: |
diversifolia
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The Pigeonplum (scientific name: Coccoloba diversifolia) is a cool tree! It's also sometimes called tietongue. This tree grows naturally in warm, coastal places. You can find it in the Caribbean islands and parts of Central America. It also lives in southern Mexico and southern Florida, all the way down to the Florida Keys. You might also spot it in the Bahamas.
Contents
What is a Pigeonplum Tree?
The Pigeonplum is a small to medium-sized tree. It usually grows about 10 meters (33 feet) tall. Sometimes, it can even reach up to 18 meters (59 feet)!
Tree Bark and Leaves
The bark of the Pigeonplum tree is light gray. It feels smooth and thin. On older, larger trees, the bark might become a bit scaly.
The leaves are quite interesting. They are usually 3 to 13 centimeters (1 to 5 inches) long. They are also 1 to 7 centimeters (0.4 to 2.8 inches) wide. The edges of the leaves are smooth, but they can be wavy. Their shape is like an oval or a long rectangle. The ends of the leaves can be rounded or pointed. They feel leathery and are bright green on top. The underside of the leaves is a lighter green color. Younger plants and new sprouts have larger leaves than older trees.
Flowers and Fruit
In the spring, the Pigeonplum tree grows many small flowers. These flowers are not very noticeable. They grow on long spikes that are 1.5 to 18 centimeters (0.6 to 7 inches) long.
The tree's fruit ripens in the fall. It's a small, dark purple fruit, about 6 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. This fruit is edible, which means you can eat it!
Where it Grows Best
Pigeonplum trees love warm weather. They cannot survive if it gets too cold or if there is a hard frost. However, they are very strong against other things. They can handle strong winds, salty air, and even dry periods. This makes them perfect for coastal areas.
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An old drawing of the Pigeonplum tree by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin.
See also
In Spanish: Coccoloba diversifolia para niños
