Muntingia Yellow Jamaican Cherry

Cherries Muntingia Yellow Jamaican

The Muntingia calabura, commonly known as the Jamaican Cherry, Panama Berry, or Strawberry Tree. While the standard variety produces red berries, there is a less common yellow-fruited form. 

Key Characteristics of the Yellow Jamaican Cherry:

• Fruit:
  • Small (1/2 inch), yellow, and round.
  • Similar texture and taste to the red Jamaican Cherry, but the yellow variety is often described as being sweeter.
  • Soft, juicy, and sweet, with a flavor that can be compared to cotton candy, fig, or caramel.
  • Bears fruit year-round in warm climates.
• Plant:
  • Same as the standard red Jamaican Cherry: a fast-growing small tree or large shrub, typically reaching 15-40 feet tall, but can be kept smaller with pruning.
  • Attractive and ornamental, with a spreading crown and delicate foliage.
  • Adapts to various soil types, including poor soils.
  • Self-fertile and easy to propagate from seed.
  • Relatively short-lived, typically living 10-20 years.
  • Tolerates a range of growing conditions but is susceptible to frost. 

Growing Considerations (Florida):

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Susceptible to frost damage, so not ideal for areas of Florida that experience frost.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is preferred but can tolerate various soil types.
• Water: Requires regular watering, especially when young.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize twice a year, in spring and summer, with a balanced fertilizer.
• Pruning: Prune to maintain shape and size. 

In Summary, the Yellow Jamaican Cherry is a unique and interesting variation of the popular Jamaican Cherry. It’s well-suited for Florida’s climate, provided that frost is not a concern. The yellow variety offers the same ease of growth and adaptability as the red, with the added appeal of its unusual yellow berries.