Panama berry

Where does Panama berry grow?

Found in: Amazon, Andamans, Andes, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Central America, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Galapagos, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marquesas, Mexico, Myanmar, Nauru, Nicaragua, North America, Pacific, Panama, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tahiti, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Indies

Notes: There is only one Muntingia species. It has also been put in the family Elaeocarpaceae.

Status: It is one of the most common roadside trees in SE Asia. The fruit are eaten especially by children. Trees have been planted as small ornamentals in some coastal areas of Papua New Guinea.

Growing Panama berry

Cultivation: Trees can be grown from seed. They can also be grown from cuttings of half ripe wood. Seed germinate more readily if they have passed through bats. This means the plant often spreads naturally. Seedlings do not tolerate shade.

Edible Uses: The berries are eaten raw. They can be used for jam. They can be used for pies and tarts or added to cereals. The leaves can be used for tea.

Production: Trees grow fairly quickly. Fruit is produced in the second year. Trees flower and produce fruit all year round. Fruit ripen in 6-8 weeks.

Nutrition Info

Panama berry Photos

References

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