Photo Courtesy: Marty Strenges

Jamaica Cherry, Strawberry Tree

Muntingia calabura L.

mun-TINGE-ee-ah cah-la-BURR-ah

Mutingiaceae

Explanation of name:  One name for the tree is calabur tree. Genus name honors Abraham Munting (1626-1683).

Natural range:  Tropical America (not Florida)

Recognition:  Mid-sized tree having serrate lanceolate leaves with lopsided bases (resembles Hackberry).  Flower resembling a strawberry blossom, with 5 separate white petals; fruit resembles a cherry but has many seeds

Landscape uses:  Fast-growing medium-sized tree with small white flowers and small cherry-sized edible seedy fruits.  Has broad soil tolerances, and tolerates drought.  Fruit flies may spoil fruit.  Weedy and invasive in some places.

Internet sources: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/jamaica_cherry.html

http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Muntingia+calabura

http://www.illustratedgarden.org/mobot/rarebooks/page.asp?relation=JAC116783c&identifier=0158

http://www.photomazza.com/?Muntingia-calabura