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Chiococca alba, commonly known as Snowberry, is a woody vine or sprawling shrub typically growing 9 feet (3 m) long, often climbing or trailing through other vegetation.
Growth Form
Twining or scrambling habit
Slender woody stems
May form dense thickets
Often climbs through coppice shrubs
Bark
Thin and brown
Smooth on young stems
Slightly rough with age
Leaves
Simple and alternate
Oval to elliptic
Smooth margins
Glossy dark green
Thin but slightly leathery
Flowers
Small and tubular
White to creamy-white
Mildly fragrant
Produced in clusters
Bloom seasonally
Fruit
Small, round berry
Bright white when mature
Smooth and waxy
Habitat
Chiococca alba grows as an understory shrub in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation- Forest/Woodland/Shrubland/Dwarf Shrublands (all coppice types).
Distribution
Chiococca alba occurs on all island groupings in the Lucayan Archipelago as well as the southern United States, the Caribbean region and Central and South America.
Ecological Importance
Flowers support pollinators
White berries provide food for birds
Adds structural diversity to shrub layer
Contributes to native forest biodiversity
Cultural Notes
Chiococca alba is used in the Lucayan Archipelago for general strengthening teas, and to treat bed wetting, and tuberculosis.
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