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This species varies in habit depending upon the environment in which
it grows. On exposed sea shores it grows as a sprawling shrub but in more sheltered
areas it grows as a tree, reaching a height of about fifty feet. It is very
characteristic of many Caribbean beaches and is a species which the tourist will readily
see. The leaves have a characteristic shape each one being rounded and up to eight
inches across. They are smooth and leathery with a shiny surface and reddish
veins. The male and female flowers occur on different trees and the female flowers,
after fertilisation, develop into clusters of grape-like fruits which become purple in
colour. The fruits are edible but rather sour. (63)
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