Definition

Noun: 1. A tropical fruit tree: A fast-growing tropical American evergreen tree (Muntingia calabura) known for its small, sweet, edible red berries that resemble cherries. 2. The fruit of this tree: The small, round, red fruit with a sweet, fig-like flavor and many tiny seeds. 3. A source of fiber and timber: The tree whose bark yields a silky fiber used for cordage and whose wood is valued for making staves.

Usage Examples

• As a tree:
  • The Jamaican cherry provides excellent shade with its broad, spreading canopy.
  • They planted a Jamaican cherry in their garden for its fruit and ornamental value.
• As a fruit:
  • The children enjoyed picking and eating the sweet Jamaican cherries from the tree.
  • The Jamaican cherry is often used to make jams and refreshing drinks.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or agricultural contexts: The term is used to distinguish from true cherries (genus ). It is often discussed for its resilience in poor soils and its role in agroforestry.
  • The Jamaican cherry is noted for its ability to thrive in disturbed areas.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: Panama berry, strawberry tree, Singapore cherry, calabur tree.
• Scientific Name: .
• Related Product: Jamaican cherry jam, Jamaican cherry tea.

Synonyms

• For the tree: Panama berry tree, calabur tree.
• For the fruit: Panama berry, calabur fruit.

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning refers to the specific plant species Muntingia calabura. While "cherry" is in its name, it is not related to the common cherry. The name originates from the visual resemblance of its small red fruit to cherries and its prevalence in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Noun

1. a fast-growing tropical American evergreen having white flowers and white fleshy edible fruit; bark yields a silky fiber used in cordage and wood is valuable for staves