Strawberry Tree

Muntingia calabura is a tropical evergreen tree with spreading branches, small white flowers, and sweet red or yellow fruits. This entry is sometimes called “Strawberry Tree,” but it is the tropical Jamaica cherry, not the unrelated Mediterranean strawberry tree Arbutus unedo. ## Garden Use Plant it only where the climate is warm enough for a tropical tree and give its spreading crown room. The National Tropical Botanical Garden reports mature heights of 7.5–12 meters, while Singapore’s NParks gives a broader 3–12 meter range; neither source provides a dependable mature width. The small fruits can be eaten fresh or cooked into preserves. Bees visit the flowers, and fruit-eating bats may also visit, so avoid placing the tree directly over patios or other areas where droppings would be a nuisance. ## Growing Notes NParks lists full sun and moderate water, and notes that the species grows in tropical conditions. The leaves are evergreen in warm climates; colder environments may change its behavior, so no USDA hardiness zone is assigned here. The tiny flowers last briefly, while the tree can produce many fruits. ## Maintenance Allow space beneath the branches for fruit to fall, and collect fallen fruit near paths or seating. Water new plantings while they establish, then adjust irrigation to local rainfall and soil drainage. For species details, see the [National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Jamaica cherry profile](https://www.ntbg.org/database/plants/detail/Muntingia-calabura) and [Singapore NParks’ plant profile](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/0/3036).