Druif di Lama
Common Name: Sea Grape
Papiamento Name: Druif / Druif di Lama
Scientific Name: Melicoccus bijugatus
Sea Grape is a hardy, coastal tree often seen along beaches, dunes, and tropical shorelines throughout the the Caribbean and tropical America. Its large, leathery, round leaves and clustered fruit make it a distinctive and well‑loved tree in seaside landscapes. In Aruba, it is called Druif and is valued for its fruit, wind resistance, and ability to help stabilize sand and soil at beach edges.
Sea Grape typically grows between 3 and 15 meters tall (10 to 50 ft), depending on conditions.
Identification
FLOWERS
Small, whitish to ivory or greenish flowers arranged on long racemes (~10–35 cm). Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Only female trees produce fruit.
FRUITS
Clusters of round, grape‑like fruits about 2 cm in diameter. In green state initially, then ripening to deep purple; edible and enjoyed by birds
LEAF STRUCTURE
Simple, alternate leaves; broadly round to orbiculate in shape. Leaves are thick, leathery, and often large (sometimes ~20–25 cm across)
OTHER MARKERS
Bark: Grayish, relatively smooth with lighter patches. Multi-stemmed growth is common, especially in less favorable conditions .
Habitat & Range
Native along tropical coasts of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Florida.
In the Dutch Caribbean region (including Aruba), C. uvifera is present in coastal and beach‑forest transition zones.
It often grows in sandy, saline soils, dunes, beach edges, and transitional zones between full beach and inland vegetation.
Ecological Role
- Stabilizes coastal soils and dunes with its root system, helping reduce erosion
- Provides food for avian wildlife and others via its fruit clusters.
- Flowers attract pollinators (bees and other insects) for cross-pollination between male and female trees
Suitability for Landscaping & Urban Use
- Leaf Behavior:
Primarily evergreen in tropical climates; older leaves may turn red before falling. - Root System:
Adapted to sandy, coastal soils; not known to be overly aggressive in urban settings. - Growth Characteristics:
Moderate growth—once established, durable, drought‑ and salt- tolerant. Excellent for coastal landscaping, windbreaks, hedges, or specimen trees in seaside gardens.
Cultural Significance
In Aruba, known locally as “Druif di Lama” (Sea Grape). This tree was historically valued for its fruit, which was used in jams, jellies, and local cuisine
Its wood was also used historically by shipbuilders, thanks to its durability in coastal conditions.
Because of its iconic form and fruit, it remains a beloved tree in coastal heritage and ecological restoration.
Conservation Status
Globally listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. The species is robust in coastal environments across its range; in Aruba, it faces pressure from beachfront development and habitat loss, but remains part of coastal vegetation restoration efforts