ABSTRACT
Sea grape is native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, northern and eastern South America to Brazil, and the Pacific coast of South America south to Peru. The species has been grown as an ornamental in most tropical areas and has become widely naturalized outside of its native range, including Hawaii. Sea grape trees are used to a small extent as sources of lumber, but mostly for firewood and charcoal. The wood is used for furniture, cabinetry, and handicrafts. The astringent bark and roots are employed in traditional medicine in the native range of the species. Astringent red sap exuded or extracted from the cut bark or roots, known as West Indian and Jamaica kino, was once exported to Europe for use in tanning and dyeing. Sea grape fruits are tougher than grapes but very tasty and are frequently eaten raw.
