Juvenile Coccoloba

The Coccoloba gigantifolia, or Giant Seagrape, has the third largest leaf of any plant or tree, just after those of Gunnera manicata and Victoria boliviana. Holding one of its leafs makes you feel tiny, but the trees themselves are not very large and belong to the undergrowth of the forest. Large leafs may help it catch enough sunlight, especially when they are young or damaged. Juvenile and damaged Coccoloba trees produce far larger leafs (250x150cm) than mature trees (100x75cm). This progression towards smallness is another fine example of shrinking towards maturity. On the other hand it also indicates the relationship between feeling damaged and a desire to surround yourself with more.