Strawberry Tree, Yellow (Muntingia calabura)

Sweet and Fast-Growing Tropical Fruit

Botanical Name: Muntingia calabura
Common Names: Yellow Strawberry Tree, Jamaican Cherry, Panama Berry, Cotton Candy Berry, Bajelly Tree, Singapore Cherry, Sabah Cherry,  Panama Cherry, Jam Tree, Calabura
Family: Muntingiaceae
Origin: Tropical Americas (Mexico, Central America)

The Yellow Strawberry Tree (Muntingia calabura) is a fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree known for producing small, sweet, yellow berries that taste like cotton candy or cereal milk.  (The Red varieties has a flavor more reminiscent of buttered popcorn.) This versatile and hardy tropical tree is a favorite in home gardens due to its rapid growth, abundant fruit production, and ability to thrive in various climates. The tree produces small, yellow fruits that can be enjoyed fresh off the tree or used in jams, desserts, and beverages. Its adaptability to a range of soils and climates makes it an excellent addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.

Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value

Fruits: The Yellow Strawberry Tree produces small, round, yellow berries that are about the size of a cherry. The fruits are sweet with a light, cotton-candy-like flavor, making them perfect for fresh eating or adding to jams, pies, and other desserts. The berries are also rich in vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants, providing a nutritious snack that supports immune health and overall wellness.

Foliage: The tree features slender, drooping branches with soft, serrated leaves that create a lush canopy. The leaves are light green, providing a nice contrast to the vibrant yellow fruit.

Growth Habit: The Yellow Strawberry Tree is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 20-30 feet tall in ideal conditions. It is a hardy and drought-tolerant tree that begins fruiting as early as 1-2 years after planting.