Muntingia calabura – Red Jamaican Cherry – Muntingiaceae (The Jamaican Cherry Family)

Description Muntingia calabura, known as red Jamaican cherry, Panama berry tree or cotton candy berry, is a tropical shrub or tree with cherry-like fruit that taste like cotton candy! It is a quick grower and can produce flowers and fruit even on young plants. The single, white flowers are similar to apple blossoms and last one day. The fruit is produced over a long period mainly in summer and fall and is an edible red berry with light brown and juicy flesh with very fine seeds. It is also said to taste like figs. Consume fresh, juice, or use in baking and preserves. Plant in containers on a sunny deck or place in the garden and protect indoors in winter. Photo: Wikimedia.