Strawberry Tree, Red (Muntingia calabura)

Buttered Popcorn and Cotton Candy Flavor

Strawberry Tree, Red (Muntingia calabura) is a small to medium-sized, fast-growing tropical to subtropical fruit tree or shrub that will amaze you with its fantastic flavor. The tiny red fruits are bite-size edible berries that resemble cherries and ripen quickly, with a uniquely sweet flavor often described as a combination of buttered popcorn and cotton candy. Small white flowers resemble those of a strawberry plant and are followed by tons of bright red fruit. Beloved by birds and squirrels, Strawberry Tree fruits so prolifically, almost all year long, that there’s more than enough fruit for everyone to enjoy abundantly.

You will not find this rare fruit at market, even in its native range, due to its short shelf life, so picking it straight from the tree and eating it fresh is a must if you want to experience this wholesome and exotic flavor. Strawberry Tree is easy to grow and thrives with little care. The plant has its roots in Central and South America, with its native range stretching from Southern Mexico through the Caribbean and south to Peru. Muntingia calabura is also known as Strawberry Tree, Jamaican Cherry, Cotton Candy Berry, Panama Berry, Bajelly Tree, Singapore Cherry, Sabah Cherry, Panama Cherry, Jam Tree, and Calabura.

Cultural & Culinary Significance

Strawberry Tree is prized for its unusual fresh fruit, which is rarely encountered in markets because of its extremely short shelf life. The berries are best enjoyed straight from the tree, where their distinctive sweet flavor can be experienced at peak freshness. The prolific fruit is also an important food source for birds and squirrels.

Why Grow Strawberry Tree?

• Produces abundant bite-size red berries with an unforgettable cotton candy and buttered popcorn flavor
• Fruits almost all year long in warm climates
• Fast-growing and easy to grow with little care
• Small white flowers add ornamental interest before fruit develops
• Provides abundant fresh fruit for both people and wildlife