Family: Polygonaceae

Form: Evergreen tree reaching 30 to 40 ft; upright, columnar

Leaves: Simple, alternate, entire; variable in size; petiole based forming a sheath around stem

Stem/Bark: Attractive, peeling in large plates to expose various colors

Flower: White, appearing in axillary or terminal spikes

Fruit: Achene, purple, born in clusters

Comments: A related native species, Coccoloba uvifera, is another excellent seaside tree but with a broader canopy and roundish leaves.