8 inches across, and dark green and shining above, with prominent
red veins on both sides. Purple flowers appearing during summer are
inconspicuous, borne on thick-stemmed spikes 6 to 14 inches long at
ends of twigs and axils of leaves. A greenish-white fruit, about 3/4-
inch long, appears at the end of a narrowed stalk following flowers.
 Sea-grape is found growing in coastal hammocks, dunes and
along beaches from Brevard and Manatee counties southward. This
tree is highly recommended for areas where salt spray is a problem.
Throughout the southern area, sea-grape is useful as a large informal
hedge, patio or framing tree. Its distinctive leaves make it useful
in tropical plantings. Insect and disease pests are not known to be
a problem.


 Conocarpus erectus. Combretaceae. Button-Mangrove or Button-
wood. Southern area. Evergreen. Native.
 Button-mangrove has a narrow, regular crown composed of short
branches, and commonly attains a height of 40 to 60 feet. Leaves are
alternate, simple elliptic, leathery, green, and 2 to 4 inches long with
wavy margins. The most desirable variety is distinguished by pale
silky down on leaves, which gives it a silvery appearance. Flowers
are small, greenish to purplish globose heads, appearing in narrow
clusters 6 to 8 inches long throughout the year. Red-brown, globular,
button-like fruit, 1/2-inch in diameter matures all year.
 Trees tolerant of salt are much in demand in southern coastal
areas and button-mangrove is one of the most salt tolerant. Button-
mangrove is one of a group of trees considered to be shore-builders,
and therefore, is recommended for planting along river and ocean
front locations. Trees are recommended for framing and specimen
use and as screens if kept pruned to small size. Insect and disease
pests are not known to be a problem.

Fig. 23.-Sea-grape, Coccolobis uvifera (left) and Fig. 24 foliage and flowers of
 the dogwood, Cornus florida.