The Jamaica cherry (Muntingia calabura) is a fast-growing, useful tree and the sweet fruit is popular in tropical America and Southeast Asia This is a very fast-growing tree of slender proportions, reaching 25 to 40 ft (7.5-12 m) in height, with spreading, nearly horizontal branches. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, lanceolate or oblong, long-pointed at the apex, oblique at the base. The flowers resemble strawberry flowers and the fruit resembles little red cherries, hence its common names, Strawberry Tree and Jamaican Cherry. Fruits are round, 1/4" - 1/2" wide, smooth, thin, red skin. Light-brown, soft, juicy pulp, exceedingly sweet, flavored like cotton candy or caramel, filled with tiny, barely noticeable seeds. Cold weather may cause a change in flavor. The fruit are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and have been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. Heat tolerant: This plant continuously flowers between 60-90F. It may need extra water above 95F. Young plants must be protected from freezing temperatures. Established plants will withstand 29F with some branch dieback. HARVEST SEASON: Year-round Blooms and produces fruit year-round, with heaviest production throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall SELF-FERTILE: Yes OUTDOOR Zone 10-11/(with frost protection in Zone 9) PATIO Zone 4-11 SOIL TYPE Rich Moist SUN 80-100% Full Shade, Part Shade FRUITING: 18-24 months after planting.