Tietongue
Coccoloba diversifolia
- Native to:
- Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Navassa Island, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © douggoldman (iNaturalist #145352812)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Coccoloba
- Species:
- Coccoloba diversifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- CODI8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ametris nitocris, Epicorsia oedipodalis, Florida tussock moth (Halysidota cinctipes), Spiny Oak Slug (Euclea delphinii)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Enteucha basidactyla, Enteucha gilvafascia
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Native to coastal areas, tolerates salt spray
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Fresh seeds germinate best; remove fleshy fruit covering before sowing.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI