Description
Latin name – Muntingia calabura
Sometimes called Jamaican Cherry (although it is not native to or common in Jamaica), the Strawberry Tree is a fun and tasty fruit to grow in South Florida, and makes a great small to medium sized shade tree. It grows quickly, and produces fruit almost year round, slowing down in the winter months. Strawberry Tree fruits are not comparable to actual strawberries, the name comes from the similar look between the two flowers. The fruit are blueberry-sized, and are sweet and juicy on the inside, with a flavor somewhere between kettle corn and cotton candy. Strawberry Trees are a favorite for young children, as the branches grow low to provide shade and the abundant berries are easy to pick.
Strawberry Tree is a fast growing pioneer tree, requiring full sun to grow and produce. It is drought tolerant once established and can grow well in poor soils, but can become quite lush if extra fertility is provided. The tree grows in the shape of an umbrella, often growing wider than it is tall. It can be pruned heavily when needed, and will re-grow quickly. We consider the Strawberry Tree a must-have in every edible garden or food forest, both for its tasty and unique fruit, and how easy it is to grow. The fruit can be either red or yellow-skinned.
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Size: 15’ tall x 20’ wide, can be pruned to maintain at a smaller size.
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Cold Hardy: 30-32 degrees
Harvest Season: Almost year-round
Watering requirements: Very drought tolerant when established
Food Forest Layer: Canopy, Sub Canopy
