Calabura
Muntingia calabura
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Pl. 3F6C — Muntingia calabura
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IOverview
Overview
Calabura, scientifically known as Muntingia calabura, is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub native to Central and South America, including regions such as Argentina Northwest, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and can grow up to 9 meters tall. Its fruit and leaves are edible, making it a valuable resource for local communities. One distinctive feature of the calabura is its ability to adapt to various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils, while another notable characteristic is its hardiness in zones 10-12.
Quick answers
What is Calabura?
Calabura, scientifically known as Muntingia calabura, is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub native to Central and South America, including regions such as Argentina Northwest, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Calabura thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for warmer climates. This tree or shrub grows up to 9 meters tall and produces edible fruit and leaves. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Calabura for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance tree that will thrive in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Calabura seeds or young plants, potting soil if planting in containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Calabura during the spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot, ensuring it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially during dry periods. Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain size. Harvest fruits when they turn red.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Weaving materialContainersFiberFire startertextilesPioneerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)OmanSri Lanka
Americas12 regions
native (11)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaraguaPeruVenezuela
introduced (1)Puerto Rico
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Tanzania
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Nauru
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Central American Pac, Mexico Central, Argentina Northwest, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá
introduced:Marquesas, Society Is., Tokelau-Manihiki, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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