Family: Polygonaceae

Form: Evergreen, shrub or medium tree, rounded or vase-like canopy, reaching 3 to 35 ft. with 10 to 50 ft. spread

Leaves: Alternate, simple, reniform, attached to branch by prominent red ocrea, distinct red midribs and veins, to 10 in. wide

Stem/Bark: Various shades of brown, peel in thin plates as matures

Flower: Raceme, white, to 10 in. long, inconspicuous

Fruit: Berry, green ripening dark purple, ½ to 1 in. wide, contain 1 seed, clusters of 40 or more

Comments: Closely related to another Florida native C. diversifolia, but distinguished by having leaf blades that are broader than long and with a cordate base, rather than a cuneate base