Coccoloba alnifolia

Coccoloba alnifolia, commonly known as the sea grape, is a resilient coastal shrub prized for its medicinal properties. Indigenous to tropical shorelines, its leaves and fruits are utilized in traditional remedies to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments, offering a natural treasure within its hardy, salt-tolerant foliage.

  • Scientific name: Coccoloba alnifolia
  • Family: Polygonaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it is a member of the family Polygonaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Coccoloba, where it is known as Coccoloba alnifolia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Polygonaceae WCVP
Genus Coccoloba WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Coccoloba alnifolia, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the sea grape, while in Spanish, it is commonly called uva de playa or uva de mar. In Portuguese, it is known as uva-playa, and in French, it is often called raisin de mer.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Coccoloba alnifolia, exhibits a specific range across the South American landscape. Its presence is documented within the West-Central region of Brazil. Additionally, the species can be found thriving in the Northeast portion of the country. The distribution also extends into the Southeast territory of Brazil. Consequently, these three distinct regions define its primary geographical footprint.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Coccoloba alniifolia, possesses distinct morphological characteristics, particularly in its foliage. The leaf is a primary feature of the species, typically characterized by its large, leathery texture and an elliptical to obovate shape. These leaves often exhibit prominent venation and can range in color from deep green to slightly reddish hues, serving as a key diagnostic tool for identification in its natural habitat.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
Leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Coccoloba alnifolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isoorientin, kanakugiol, p-cumaric acid, tryptamine, vitexin.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
isoorientin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kanakugiol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
p-cumaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tryptamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
vitexin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Coccoloba alnifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Oxidative stress.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆