37 



28. Coco Plum 



Chrysobolanus Icaco 



The plumlike fruit of this plant is eaten raw, but it is not con- 

 sidered of very good quality. It is used for making preserves. 

 The large shrub or small spreading tree grows wild along the 

 seashore and is cultivated on rich, moist soils in other parts of 

 the Caribbean. The plant has thick, broad, glossy, deep green 

 leaves and very small white flowers. The fruits resemble large 

 plums; they vary in color from white to red purple to almost 

 black; the flesh is white with a rather insipid taste. The coco 

 plum is also called icaco. 



