A BOTANICAL MEMENTO

WHILE WALKING THE BEACH on a “winter’s day” at Florida’s beautiful Anna Maria Island, I became aware of hedges, little groves and individual specimens of what is commonly called seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera). On this particular early morning stroll these plants all seemed to stand out very vividly, illuminated by a low, golden sun and set off by an almost snow-white beach sand background. The thick, rubber-looking leaves, some as large as a table-tennis paddle, were a brilliant green, many with prominent red veins. A rain shower the previous evening had washed the sand and salt off all beach vegetation, making it look its very best.

I was familiar with seagrapes, having seen them) currently in such vogue. It struck me, as it sometimes too often does when I am traveling, that I could take one of these seagrape babies home, where it could become an attractive addition to my deck in summer and living room in winter.