Full List of Fruits Coco Plum Fruit
Introduction of Coco Plum Fruit Nutritional Value of Coco Plum Fruit Coco Plum Care Traditional Uses Coco Plum propagation from Seed and cuttings
Coco Plum Fruit
Introduction of Coco Plum Fruit
Scientific name - Chrysobalanus icaco
Coco plum scientifically known as Chrysobalanusicaco, it belongs to the chrysobalanaceae family. The cocoplum, Paradise Plum and icaco, is found near sea beaches and inland throughout tropical Africa, tropical Americas and the Caribbean. Coco plum grows as a small shrub 1-3 metres (3.3-9.8 ft) tall, or even a bushy tree 2- 6 metres (6.6-19.7 ft)tall, and on rare occasions it is spotted to grow up to 10 meters (33 ft). It appears to have an evergreen broad-oval to nearly round shape with the texture of leathery leaves.
The coastal form this plant shows high tolerance of salt, so it is often planted to stabilize beach edges and prevent erosion. To add to the many advantages and uses this shrub is also grown as one of the popular ornamental plants.
The Coco plum tree is native to the coastal areas of south Florida to the Caribbean islands, Mexico and Central and South America. This Plants often grow in brushes on sandy soils on the other side it grows singly on rocky coastal extensions. These plants thrive best in moderate climatic conditions and are highly tolerant of drought, wind and even salt spray, but they give in wet or shady conditions.
Nutritional Value of Coco Plum Fruit
| Calories | 47 |
| Total Carbs | 12 g |
| Calcium | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 10% |
| Iron | 4% |
A lot of care needs to be taken while harvesting coco plum. The Coco plum shrubs can thrive in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.6 to 8.4. Integrating a 2-inch layer of compost into the native soil can help stimulate drainage. Frost and cold temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and lower than that, can damage the foliage of the shrubs.
The damage can be to a large extent hence covering them with fabric can minimize the damage, as can growing the plants in containers and moving them indoors during cold periods can also be suggested to promote healthy growth. Moist soil is ideal for new growing coco plum plants, but once established, they can tolerate short periods of drought
The coco plum fruit possess a slightly sweet flavor and can be eaten raw out of hand or also be used in preserves. The seed of the plant is also edible as it has high oil content and a nutty flavor, but somewhat bland it is also reported to be a good honey plant. This fruit is also used to make jellies and forms a very important part of the Seminole Indians of southern Florida's diet.
Coco Plum propagation from Seed and cuttings
Coco plum when commercially grown in large quantities on a wide spread the cultivars propagate it by the method of cutting. Whereas passionate home gardeners can grow coco plum plants from its fresh fruit itself, separating the seed from the fruit by rubbing a pre-soaked fruit on coarse ground and then sowing it in a pot or a seed-raising tray filled with seed-raising mix, the seeds can germinate within 35 to 40 days when left in a warm area. Once the seeds starts to show signs of germination, place the pot or tray in a sunny window so the seedlings can grow in a healthy environment.
