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muntingia

Scientific Name: Muntingia

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Muntingia calabura: The Jamaican Cherry Tree

Muntingia calabura, known by a variety of common names, is a fast-growing tree appreciated for its sweet, edible fruit and ornamental value.

Considerations for Pets

  • This tree produces an abundance of small red fruit.
  • Seeds are extremely tiny.

Considerations for Children

  • This tree produces an abundance of small red fruit.
  • Seeds are extremely tiny.

Common Names

  • Jamaican Cherry
  • Strawberry Tree
  • Panama Berry
  • Singapore Cherry
  • Jam Tree
  • Cotton Candy Berry
  • Calabura
  • Manzanillo
  • Aratiles
  • Buah Ceri/Kerukup Siam (Malay)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Muntingia calabura L.
  • Family: Elaeocarpaceae (sometimes Muntingiaceae or Flactiaceae)
  • Genus: Muntingia (sole species in the genus)
  • Synonyms:
    • Muntingia calabura var. trinitensis Griseb.
    • Muntingia rosea H.Karst.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to:
    • Southern Mexico
    • The Caribbean
    • Central America
    • Western South America
  • Grows best in lowland tropical areas up to 1,000 meters in elevation.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an environmental weed in northern Queensland and on Christmas Island.
  • Possibly an invasive species in Singapore.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Shrub or small tree, rarely growing to 10 meters tall and approximately 15 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh).
  • Stems can be hirsute (hairy).
  • Bark is black.
  • Produces small red fruits.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

  • Different parts of the plant have been reported to possess medicinal value, particularly in Malay and Peruvian traditions.
  • Traditionally used by Peruvian people to alleviate headache and cold, and pain.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Flowers and fruits are being studied for their insecticidal effects.
  • Flower and fruit movements are related to pollinator-disperser interference.

Quirky Facts

  • The fruit is described as having a cotton candy flavor.
  • The flowers are sometimes mistaken for strawberry flowers.

Further Information

  • Wikipedia: Muntingia
  • Dave's Garden
  • Flowers of India
  • ARS Systematic Botany Nomenclature Database
  • Julia Morton’s "Fruits of Warm Climates"