🌿 Edible Florida Native Plants Series: All About Cocoplums
- Youth Environmental Alliance
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
By, Nicole Castilla, Marine Biologist and Florida Master Naturalist, in partnership with Youth Environmental Alliance
Disclaimer: Always exercise extreme caution when identifying and consuming wild plants. You must be certain of the plant id, which part of the plant is useful and how to prepare it. Misidentification or improper preparation can be fatal. Consult with a qualified expert and use multiple reputable sources to confirm any identification before ingestion. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional guidance. You assume all risk associated with consuming wild plants and the information provider assumes no liability for illness, injury, or any adverse effects. In case of suspected poisoning, call the national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
Hey everyone! Want to dive deep into the world of native plants? Let’s explore one of the most abundant native plants in Florida, the cocoplum!
Florida has great biodiversity among its native plants and wildlife, and one copious native plant that has many benefits for both the environment and humans is the cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco). Found in a variety of environments in the sunshine state and the Caribbean, cocoplums have the ability to thrive and adapt to different conditions, demonstrating resilience in coastal areas, wetland habitats, and residential landscapes.[1] In wetland areas, such as hydric hammocks and alongside freshwater swamps and rivers, cocoplums are abundant, as the moist environment allows them to live comfortably. They can survive in inland habitats as well and are widely known for their tolerance to salt. Their salt tolerance makes them ideal for coastal areas, since salt is commonly found in those environments and cocoplums usually sprout upland behind the shoreline. Two different ecotypes of cocoplums exist, the red-tipped and the green-tipped cocoplum.[2] They live up to their names, as the tips of red-tipped ones are reddish in color and the green-tipped ones are light green. Red-tipped cocoplums usually bear purple fruit, whereas green-tipped cocoplums normally produce white, but sometimes, purple fruit.
🍃 “What Benefits do Cocoplums Provide for Humans?”
Cocoplums are more than just a beautiful plant with aesthetic benefits. Besides producing a delicious fruit, or plum, that is commonly used to make jams and jellies for human consumption, cocoplums reap several health benefits.[3] They have been known to improve vision, maintain healthy skin, and help keep heart health in check.
Rich in antioxidants, cocoplums are a great addition to your diet. They can also help reduce inflammation and can contribute to overall wellbeing, even potentially preventing cancer. Their seed is edible both raw and roasted, and many describe the taste to be similar to that of an almond. The oil from the cocoplum’s seeds, which is also edible, can be extracted and used for a variety of things including serving as a substitution for cooking oil, utilizing it as a moisturizer for skincare, and removing makeup.
🪺 “How about Wildlife?”
Cocoplums are perfect for Florida wildlife. cocoplums can provide a safe haven for birds to nest, since their dense foliage provides excellent shelter and protection. They also serve as a food source for many different species of wildlife, from birds to gopher tortoises. Birds and other animals have been known to eat the fruits produced by cocoplums.[4] Although the fruit is quite large for smaller birds, they eat them in small pieces.
🐝 “What about Pollinators?”
Cocoplums are great for the environment as their flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies which keep the ecosystem in check.[5] Many pollinator insects are drawn to cocoplums because their flowers are a great source of nectar. This contributes to biodiversity as the cocoplum plant and the pollinators have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship, where both the plant and pollinating insects benefit from each other.[6]
🌼 Final thoughts 🌿
Cocoplums are a great plant to add to your Florida-friendly yard, garden, or landscape. They have so many benefits for the planet and they are one of the best native plants in the sunshine state.
When gardening, it is always wise to “think green” and plant native plants. By planting natives, it is a win-win for both the planet and you as the benefits will be so great. If you want to learn more about planting natives in your own yard, the Youth Environmental Alliance offers helpful advice, tips and classes.
Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) — a Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Floridians connect with nature, live sustainably, and discover new opportunities to care for our environment.
Contact us or schedule a class at https://www.youthenvironmentalalliance.com/
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🔗 Want to take a deeper dive? Check out these resources below:
[1] Cocoplums can be found in various coastal environments across central and southern Florida. https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-chrysobalanus-icaco/
[2] The red-tipped cocoplum and green-tipped cocoplum are two different ecotypes of the cocoplum plant. https://www.growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/Cocoplum.htm
[3] Cocoplums produce edible plums that can be used to make jelly, while also serving as an aesthetic plant. https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/cocoplum.html
[4] Birds and other wildlife have been known to eat the cocoplum’s fruit. https://www.fnps.org/plant/chrysobalanus-icaco
[5] Many pollinators are attracted to the cocoplum plant. https://www.fnps.org/plant/chrysobalanus-icaco
[6] Mutualistic relationships are those in which both species receive benefits. https://necsi.edu/mutualistic-relationships