Native & adapted

Jamaican cherry

Muntingia calabura

Also known as Strawberry tree · Panama berry · Calabura · Trứng cá

A very fast tree that fruits in its first year, with tiny red berries that taste like cotton candy. A good quick nurse tree and a favorite with kids.

EdibleFruitingFast growingHeat tolerantFrost tender

Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size

15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing

15 ft from other trees

Frost

Damaged at 32°F; young trees killed below about 28°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 10–11; damaged near 32°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Nearly continuous through the warm months.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Tolerates poor, alkaline and sandy soil.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Sunny, frost-protected spot.

Cold hardiness

Cover in a hard freeze below 29°F

Established plants take about 29°F with some branch dieback and may drop leaves in a cold winter, then leaf out fast in spring. Cover young trees on frost nights and all trees when a hard freeze is forecast.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 29°F

Heat tolerance

Shade from late-afternoon sun

Morton calls it drought resistant, but desert growers suggest morning sun with afternoon shade and extra water above 95°F. Full sun works if you keep the water up; it flowers best between 60 and 90°F.

Sources:

gardenoracle.com , hort.purdue.edu

Right plant, right place

Will Jamaican cherry grow at your Arizona property?

Grows up to 15 ft in its first year or two. Use it as fast shade while slower fruit trees establish.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Full sun.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate. Deep water weekly in summer.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Eaten fresh by the handful, or cooked into jam.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Jamaican cherry thrive

1
Prune hard if it outgrows its space; it recovers quickly.
2
Cover young trees on frost nights.
3
Water deeply and let the soil dry a little between waterings.
4
Birds love the fruit; pick often.

Read the horticultural reference ↗