Post No. 34. Icaco. Icaco or Chrysboalanus Icaco, the cocoplum, paradise plum, abajeru or icaco, is found near sea beaches and inland throughout tropical Africa, Caribbean and in southern Florida.

Coco-plums are three quarter patriotic: They can be red, white, or blue (and yellow).

The “blue” is deep purple and the yellow more a cream. Trees near the shore tend to have light colored fruit that is round whereas a variation inland tends to be oval and red to dark purple.

The oil in the kernel can be substituted for almond oil. The seed is about 21% oil by weight. The oil can also be used to make candles, soap, and axle grease.

The coco plum fruit possess a slightly sweet flavor and can be eaten raw out of hand or also be used in preserves. The seed of the plant is also edible as it has high oil content and a nutty flavor, but somewhat bland it is also reported to be a good honey plant.

Medicinally, it is used internally against dysentery, dyspepsia, and diarrhea and externally against various skin conditions. The purple or red, sweet fruit is consumed raw or cooked into jams and jellies. The seed can be eaten raw also or roasted. It yields edible oil. Both fruits and leaves, on the other hand, yield black dye.

The picture above belongs to a tree that I planted in my garden.