Description

The Coccoloba Diversifolia, commonly known as the Pigeon Plum tree, is one of our native trees endemic to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. It is particularly common in Florida, where it thrives in the state’s subtropical climate, sandy soils, and coastal hammocks — making it a resilient and versatile species in its native range.

Members of the Polygonaceae family, including the Pigeon Plum tree and its common relative, the sea grape (Coccoloba Uvifera), have become key elements in Florida and Caribbean landscapes. Both thrive in warm, tropical conditions where temperatures are consistently high and humidity is elevated — with leaves adapted to efficiently capture sunlight and manage heat.

Coccoloba Diversifolia Tree – Description

Coccoloba Diversifolia is a medium-sized tree with an upright, densely foliated, round evergreen crown, typically reaching 15 to 25 feet in height with a spread of 20 to 35 feet. Young trees appear pyramidal, gradually forming a round, vase-shaped crown with age. The trunk is naturally multi-stemmed but can be trained into a single-trunk form. The bark is smooth, grayish, and mottled, becoming more textured and furrowed over time and peeling off in broad flakes.

A defining feature of the Pigeon Plum is its leaves, which vary considerably in shape and size — even on the same tree. This characteristic inspired the name ‘diversifolia,’ meaning ‘diverse leaves.’ Leaves are broad, leathery, and range from oval to oblong with a glossy surface. Although evergreen, leaves drop uniformly in March and are quickly replaced by striking bright red new growth. In early summer, the tree produces small whitish-green flowers on 2- to 6-inch racemes, followed by dark red to purple berry-like fruits that ripen in late fall and winter — very attractive to birds.

Pigeon Plum Tree – Landscape Use in Florida

The Pigeon Plum tree is well-suited to a wide variety of growing conditions in Florida. It prefers well-drained soils but adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils, including slightly alkaline coastal conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun ideal for optimal growth. Once established, it has high drought tolerance and good salt tolerance — making it a reliable choice for coastal planting. Its strong branch structure also makes it one of South Florida’s recommended windbreak trees.

Pigeon Plum Tree vs. Pigeon Plum Bush

The Pigeon Plum bush, with its naturally multi-trunk structure, produces a denser, more compact growth habit — ideal for use as a hedge or privacy screen. The Pigeon Plum tree (standard form) is cultivated with a single trunk and suits narrow urban spaces such as sidewalks, medians, parking lots, and shorelines, as well as patio shade. Pruning is required to maintain and shape both forms. For the bush form, see our Pigeon Plum Bush.

Coccoloba Diversifolia for Sale at TreeWorld Wholesale

Available at our Homestead nursery in standard and multi-trunk (bush) form, in sizes from 25 to 300 gallons — suitable for residential gardens, coastal projects, and wholesale landscape installations. For full specifications, download our Pigeon Plum spec chart.

📍 24605 SW 192 Ave., Homestead, FL 33031
📧 info@treeworldwholesale.com
📞 305-245-6886

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