return to: checklist; keys; family Polygonaceae

Coccoloba spicata Lundell

Tree; leaves alternate, simple, oblong-elliptic, base somewhat cordate, apex acute, reddish while young; stipules covering the terminal bud, retained as sheath-like ocrea after the leaves expand; petiole insertion above the base of the sheathing stipule; inflorescence spicate; fruits globose with small apical bump..

Additional images:

Coccoloba barbadensis Jacq. is very similar but has petioles inserted at the base of the sheathing stipule (ocrea) and fruits with a sharper and more pronounced tip. Early versions of the Kiuic inventory listed C. barbadensis but careful observation of the stipules suggests that most large-leaved Coccoloba plants encountered will be C. spicata.