Common Name: Panama Berry, Fairy Floss Berry, Jamaica cherry, Strawberry Tree, Calabur, Singapore Cherry.

Scientific Name: Muntingia calabura

Height: 3-4 m within a few years and given ideal growing conditions 5-10 m.

Width: 4 m

Plant type: Perennial tree

Climate: Sub-tropical, tropical, cool and warm temperate

Soil: Most soil types, provided it is well draining but plants prefer a sandy well-draining soil.

Position: Full sun to part shade.

Descriptions of the flavour of Panama berry range from caramel to fairy floss. It is truly the queen of sweet tasting fruits. Blossoming and producing all year round, the ripe red berries range in size from 10-20mm depending on the amount of water the tree receives. The fruit can be enjoyed whole, skin, flesh and seeds but is tastiest when you pierce the skin and suck out the exquisite flesh and seeds. Panama berry trees are very fast growing, reaching a height of 3-4 meters within a few years and given ideal growing conditions 5-10m. They are also particularly shallow rooted and have a tendency to topple over in strong winds so a sheltered position is recommended. The tree responds well to pruning and can be easily struck from cuttings. It makes a highly ornamental tree and will bear fruit within the first year. This vigorous tree has weed potential in tropical Queensland. Ideal for kids as it provides lovely shade and tempting berries that kids just love.

Caution: Panama Berry is regarded as an environmental weed in northern Queensland and on Christmas Island.

Panama berry. Give it a sunny spot with dry season watering and fertile soil and watch it grow! This tree is 9months old and has been producing at least a punnet of absolutely delicious red berries every day throughout summer. Known as the fairy floss berry they are a real favourite with all of the kids. Eaten raw straight from the bush when red the flavour is like a mini explosion of caramel in your mouth. Filled with tiny edible seeds the texture inside is not unlike a wonderful ripe fig inside your mouth. Fast growing and very productive in subtropical climates this tree is a real winner. Just be sure to give it a spot protected from strong winds as they are very shallow rooted and prone to toppling over in strong winds.