COCOPLUM
chrysobalanus icaco

Common Names: Icaco

This native shrub or small tree of South Florida and the West Indies makes an extremely pretty light-green hedge. It will freeze at 26-27°F but return from the roots. The flowers are not showy nor are the fruits, which are about 1" in diameter and variously yellow, pink, red or black. They have a cotton-candy pulp surrounding the seed, which is edible raw or roasted and tastes similar to an almond. The fruit can be cooked and made into preserves.