The cocoa plum (Chrysobalanus icaco) is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree known by several common names, including cocoplum, paradise plum, and icaco. It is recognized for its adaptability and is often found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Identifying Cocoa Plum
Cocoa plum plants have distinct physical characteristics. The leaves are simple, alternate, and typically elliptic to nearly round, featuring a shiny, dark green, leathery texture on the upper surface with lighter undersides. New growth on some varieties, such as ‘Red Tip’, emerges with an attractive burgundy-red hue before maturing to green.
Small, waxy white flowers appear in clusters, often peaking in late spring but can bloom intermittently throughout the year. These flowers develop into the plant’s most notable feature: the fruit. Cocoa plum fruits are small, round drupes, typically ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 inches in length. They vary in color from white, pink, or light purple to deep purple or almost black as they ripen, usually from late spring to late summer. The fruit contains a single, large, ridged brown stone with an edible white seed inside.
The plant’s growth habit varies significantly. Some forms are dense, sprawling shrubs, while others grow into more upright, small trees, reaching heights of up to 15 to 20 feet.
Edibility and Culinary Uses
The fruit of the cocoa plum is edible and possesses a slightly sweet flavor, with a soft, somewhat spongy white pulp. While some find the flavor mild or even bland, others describe it as subtly sweet. The skin is thin and generally not peeled before consumption.
Cocoa plums can be enjoyed fresh, directly from the plant. They are also widely used in culinary preparations, particularly for making jams, jellies, and preserves. In some regions, the fruits are stewed in sugar or even made into wine. The seed, or kernel, inside the hard pit is also edible, either raw or roasted, and is noted for its nutty, sometimes almond-like, flavor. Historically, cocoa plums were an important fruit source for early European settlers in coastal Florida and are used for sweet preserves in Cuba.
Growing and Caring for Cocoa Plum
Planting Location and Light
Cocoa plum thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. While it tolerates some shade, shadier spots may result in slower growth and fewer flowers and fruits. The plant is highly tolerant of salt and wind, making it an excellent choice for coastal landscapes and areas susceptible to harsh weather.
Soil Requirements
Cocoa plum adapts to various soil conditions and pH levels. It prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils, typical of its native coastal habitats. A pH range of 6-7 is optimal for nutrient absorption. Amending heavy clay soils with sand or organic matter improves drainage, as the plant does not tolerate standing water.
Watering Needs
During its establishment phase, typically the first five to seven months after planting, cocoa plum requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, promoting strong root development. Once mature, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant, capable of withstanding brief dry spells. For optimal health, deep, infrequent watering is beneficial, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, generally once every one to two weeks.
Fertilization and Pruning
Cocoa plum has low nutritional requirements once established. Young plants benefit from regular fertilization for faster growth, particularly in spring, summer, and autumn. A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer applied annually or three times a year is suitable. Incorporating organic matter or compost can also enrich the soil.
Pruning maintains the plant’s shape, controls size, or removes dead or diseased branches. Hard pruning in early spring manages overall size, while light pruning encourages bushier growth. For hedges, regular trimming two to three times a year maintains a dense, formal appearance.
Ecological Role and Natural Habitat
The cocoa plum is native to coastal areas stretching from central and south Florida through the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, as well as parts of tropical Africa. Within its native range, it is commonly found in coastal strands, dunes, pinelands, hammocks, and along the edges of freshwater swamps and canals. There are two main ecotypes: a coastal form, which is a shorter, sprawling shrub, and an inland form, which is more upright and can grow taller.
Its extensive root system helps to stabilize sandy soils along shorelines, preventing erosion. Cocoa plum provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife. Its fruits are a food source for birds like mockingbirds, cardinals, and warblers, as well as small mammals and even gopher tortoises. The dense foliage also offers a safe haven for nesting birds, contributing to local biodiversity.