As this food forest continues to evolve, the focus has shifted from site preparation and design to one of the most exciting and revealing phases: plant selection and performance. This stage has brought both rewarding harvests and unexpected challenges. Now we have a clearer understanding of what prospers on this site and what struggles to [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_13927" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13927" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13927 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/dbd4f111-8478-497c-8708-2281301f5846-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13927" class="wp-caption-text">A view of the Food Forest in the afternoon</figcaption></figure>
<h4>As this food forest continues to evolve, the focus has shifted from site preparation and design to one of the most exciting and revealing phases: plant selection and performance. This stage has brought both rewarding harvests and unexpected challenges. Now we have a clearer understanding of what prospers on this site and what struggles to survive.</h4>
<h3>If you missed the first and second parts of this story, click below:</h3>
Part 1: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2026/01/24/from-wasteland-to-wonderland-a-food-forest-journey-part-1/">From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 1 &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Broward County</a>
Part 2: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2026/02/13/from-wasteland-to-wonderland-a-food-forest-journey-part-2/">From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 2 &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Broward County</a>
<h1>Plant Selection and Success </h1>
<figure id="attachment_13939" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13939" style="width: 209px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13939 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="209" height="278" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/d34cff41-5d9a-4709-9605-4522f1704d54-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13939" class="wp-caption-text">One of the first harvested products of the food forest</figcaption></figure>
One of the most satisfying goals so far has been the first round of harvests. Bananas have successfully established and produced, marking a major step toward creating a sizable canopy cover. The herb spiral garden has also proven to be a reliable and consistent source of fresh herbs. It demonstrates how a thoughtful design can maximize both space and function. Wild fennel seems to prefer the area to other plants. In the vegetable square, corn has emerged as a standout success. It&#8217;s growing strong and resilient despite environmental pressures.
<h1></h1>
<h1></h1>
<h1>Ancestral Sustainable Horticulture</h1>
<figure id="attachment_13919" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13919" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13919 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/efd0f454-cb89-48a5-85bc-3b4b885790e7-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13919" class="wp-caption-text">A glorious view of the food forest</figcaption></figure>
Originally, this square was designed to replicate the traditional “Three Sisters” planting method with corn, beans, and squash, a system rooted in companion planting and ecological balance that I observed as a common practice among the peasants in the Mayan region of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Three Sisters Method is an ancestral Indigenous planting system where corn, beans, and squash are grown together for mutual benefit. Corn provides a natural structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil to support growth, and squash spreads along the ground, helping retain moisture and suppress weeds.
<figure id="attachment_13925" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13925" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13925 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/6c8c60b7-178d-4e74-bdae-9b1a9f5805ea-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13925" class="wp-caption-text">First corn production&#8230;not a lot, but exciting</figcaption></figure>
In our Food Forest, while the corn thrived and fulfilled its role structurally, the beans and squash never had the opportunity to establish themselves. Iguana pressure quickly eliminated them before they could develop, preventing the system from functioning as intended. This was an early and important lesson: even the most time-tested agricultural practices must be adapted to local ecological realities.
The plant selection for this food forest is a blend of tropical fruit trees, functional edibles, and native species, many sourced from local community initiatives, such as Water Matters Day, one of the most attended events in Broward County. <a href="https://www.broward.org/NaturalResources/WaterConservation/Pages/WaterMattersDay.aspx">Water Conservation Water Matters</a>
These events have played a valuable role in making diverse plants and trees accessible, while also encouraging the use of species well-suited to South Florida conditions.
<h1>Fruit trees and more&#8230;</h1>
<figure id="attachment_13929" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13929" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13929 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/158f69d5-fcd5-4312-9907-9568a7fa35c4-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13929" class="wp-caption-text">Malabar Chestnut</figcaption></figure>
Among the installed fruit trees, several stand out for both their uniqueness and potential productivity. Among the elements with the greatest visual impact in the Food Forest, the Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) stands out. The Malabar chestnut (Pachira glabra) surely adds diversity to the system with its edible seeds and adaptability. Mamey (Pouteria sapota), a fundamental tropical fruit tree, has been planted with long-term productivity in mind, while Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) offers a highly rewarding addition, known for its distinctive fruiting characteristic along the trunk. The Coffee (Coffea arabica) adds a unique cultural interest.
<figure id="attachment_13931" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13931" style="width: 135px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13931 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="135" height="180" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/b7b6bd20-8386-4077-9e41-078222bc74b8-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13931" class="wp-caption-text">Sweet little harvest</figcaption></figure>
Citrus has also been incorporated, including the Sugar Belle (Citrus reticulata var. Sugar Belle) variety developed by the University of Florida, along with a traditional lemon tree. These selections aim to balance disease tolerance with reliable fruit production. Pineapples (Ananas comosus) and Aloe Vera have been strategically placed as a low-growing, space-efficient crop, while dwarf mango trees contribute to the mid-canopy layer without overwhelming the system.
<h1>Native Plants</h1>
<figure id="attachment_13933" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13933" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13933 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/f3319f5a-0370-4e13-96fe-67fd2a5a80b8-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13933" class="wp-caption-text">Coontie plant</figcaption></figure>
Equally important to the food-producing species is the integration of native and beneficial plants. Coonties (Zamia integrifolia) have been added not only for their resilience but also for their ecological role as host plants for native butterflies. Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) and Guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea), and Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa) contribute to biodiversity and soil health, while lemon verbena and native salvia enhance both pollinator attraction and aromatic diversity. Along with the already installed Fiddlewood tree (Citharexylum spinosum), Scorpion tail (Heliotropium angiospermum), and other native species further support wildlife, reinforcing the idea that a food forest is not just about production, but about creating a balanced ecosystem.
<h1></h1>
<h1>Setbacks </h1>
<figure id="attachment_13937" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13937" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13937 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/2810bd44-fce3-4b41-8108-fe60855e6f97-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13937" class="wp-caption-text">A passion vine plant eaten by iguanas</figcaption></figure>
However, not all plantings have been successful, and much of the struggle can be traced to a persistent, often underestimated challenge: iguanas. These herbivores have shown a clear preference for tender leaves, often targeting newly installed plants before they have a chance to establish themselves. Their feeding habits have resulted in repeated losses. They particularly feed on softer leaves like beans and squash. We need a constant adaptation of planting strategies.
Some plants have demonstrated a natural recovery, while others have proven too vulnerable without additional protection. As a result, future plantings will likely incorporate more resilient species, physical barriers, or alternative placement strategies.
Despite these setbacks, the food forest&#8217;s overall trajectory remains positive. Each success and failure provides valuable insight, shaping a more informed and resilient system. The combination of productive crops, native plants, and adaptive management is gradually transforming the space into a functional and dynamic landscape.
If you want to have more insights about other topics and events, check out our Newsletter: <a href="https://ufl.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f22b084d42ddd91b6c3fd9602&amp;id=578ef1b8e5">UF/IFAS Broward County</a>
<h1>The Final Challenge</h1>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-13941 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2026/04/ab82e62a-62b7-46c3-98ba-c6c4ab59008b-300x225.jpg">Creating a Food Forest is a great lesson for anyone who wants to get close to nature while also building food self-sufficiency. However, as fulfilling as completing a project is, maintaining it is always a challenge.
As this journey continues, one factor stands out as both a challenge and an opportunity for deeper understanding: dealing with iguanas in the food forest. The final chapter (Part 4) of this series will focus specifically on this topic. We will explore what iguanas prefer, what they avoid, and how that knowledge can be used to design more resilient and productive systems moving forward.

A view of the Food Forest in the afternoon
As this food forest continues to evolve, the focus has shifted from site preparation and design to one of the most exciting and revealing phases: plant selection and performance. This stage has brought both rewarding harvests and unexpected challenges. Now we have a clearer understanding of what prospers on this site and what struggles to survive.
If you missed the first and second parts of this story, click below:
Part 1: From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 1 – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
Part 2: From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 2 – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
Plant Selection and Success 
One of the first harvested products of the food forest
One of the most satisfying goals so far has been the first round of harvests. Bananas have successfully established and produced, marking a major step toward creating a sizable canopy cover. The herb spiral garden has also proven to be a reliable and consistent source of fresh herbs. It demonstrates how a thoughtful design can maximize both space and function. Wild fennel seems to prefer the area to other plants. In the vegetable square, corn has emerged as a standout success. It’s growing strong and resilient despite environmental pressures.


Ancestral Sustainable Horticulture
A glorious view of the food forest
Originally, this square was designed to replicate the traditional “Three Sisters” planting method with corn, beans, and squash, a system rooted in companion planting and ecological balance that I observed as a common practice among the peasants in the Mayan region of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Three Sisters Method is an ancestral Indigenous planting system where corn, beans, and squash are grown together for mutual benefit. Corn provides a natural structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil to support growth, and squash spreads along the ground, helping retain moisture and suppress weeds.
First corn production…not a lot, but exciting
In our Food Forest, while the corn thrived and fulfilled its role structurally, the beans and squash never had the opportunity to establish themselves. Iguana pressure quickly eliminated them before they could develop, preventing the system from functioning as intended. This was an early and important lesson: even the most time-tested agricultural practices must be adapted to local ecological realities.
The plant selection for this food forest is a blend of tropical fruit trees, functional edibles, and native species, many sourced from local community initiatives, such as Water Matters Day, one of the most attended events in Broward County. Water Conservation Water Matters
These events have played a valuable role in making diverse plants and trees accessible, while also encouraging the use of species well-suited to South Florida conditions.
Fruit trees and more…
Malabar Chestnut
Among the installed fruit trees, several stand out for both their uniqueness and potential productivity. Among the elements with the greatest visual impact in the Food Forest, the Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) stands out. The Malabar chestnut (Pachira glabra) surely adds diversity to the system with its edible seeds and adaptability. Mamey (Pouteria sapota), a fundamental tropical fruit tree, has been planted with long-term productivity in mind, while Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) offers a highly rewarding addition, known for its distinctive fruiting characteristic along the trunk. The Coffee (Coffea arabica) adds a unique cultural interest.
Sweet little harvest
Citrus has also been incorporated, including the Sugar Belle (Citrus reticulata var. Sugar Belle) variety developed by the University of Florida, along with a traditional lemon tree. These selections aim to balance disease tolerance with reliable fruit production. Pineapples (Ananas comosus) and Aloe Vera have been strategically placed as a low-growing, space-efficient crop, while dwarf mango trees contribute to the mid-canopy layer without overwhelming the system.
Native Plants
Coontie plant
Equally important to the food-producing species is the integration of native and beneficial plants. Coonties (Zamia integrifolia) have been added not only for their resilience but also for their ecological role as host plants for native butterflies. Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) and Guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea), and Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa) contribute to biodiversity and soil health, while lemon verbena and native salvia enhance both pollinator attraction and aromatic diversity. Along with the already installed Fiddlewood tree (Citharexylum spinosum), Scorpion tail (Heliotropium angiospermum), and other native species further support wildlife, reinforcing the idea that a food forest is not just about production, but about creating a balanced ecosystem.

Setbacks 
A passion vine plant eaten by iguanas
However, not all plantings have been successful, and much of the struggle can be traced to a persistent, often underestimated challenge: iguanas. These herbivores have shown a clear preference for tender leaves, often targeting newly installed plants before they have a chance to establish themselves. Their feeding habits have resulted in repeated losses. They particularly feed on softer leaves like beans and squash. We need a constant adaptation of planting strategies.
Some plants have demonstrated a natural recovery, while others have proven too vulnerable without additional protection. As a result, future plantings will likely incorporate more resilient species, physical barriers, or alternative placement strategies.
Despite these setbacks, the food forest’s overall trajectory remains positive. Each success and failure provides valuable insight, shaping a more informed and resilient system. The combination of productive crops, native plants, and adaptive management is gradually transforming the space into a functional and dynamic landscape.
If you want to have more insights about other topics and events, check out our Newsletter: UF/IFAS Broward County
The Final Challenge
Creating a Food Forest is a great lesson for anyone who wants to get close to nature while also building food self-sufficiency. However, as fulfilling as completing a project is, maintaining it is always a challenge.
As this journey continues, one factor stands out as both a challenge and an opportunity for deeper understanding: dealing with iguanas in the food forest. The final chapter (Part 4) of this series will focus specifically on this topic. We will explore what iguanas prefer, what they avoid, and how that knowledge can be used to design more resilient and productive systems moving forward.

As this food forest continues to evolve, the focus has shifted from site preparation and design to one of the most exciting and revealing phases: plant selection and performance. This stage has brought both rewarding harvests and unexpected challenges. Now we have a clearer understanding of what prospers on this site and what struggles to […]

From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 3

The panama berry tree (Muntingia calabura) goes by many names such as strawberry tree, jam fruit tree, and cotton candy berry. The Panama berry is a tropical fruit tree with a strawberry looking flower and sweet edible fruits that taste like cotton candy. It can grow as a shrub or small tree to 35&#8242; and [&#8230;]

The panama berry tree (Muntingia calabura) goes by many names such as strawberry tree, jam fruit tree, and cotton candy berry. The Panama berry is a tropical fruit tree with a strawberry looking flower and sweet edible fruits that taste like cotton candy. It can grow as a shrub or small tree to 35&#8242; and produces small fruits nearly year-round that are tasty snacks for humans or wildlife such as birds. 
<figure id="attachment_6091" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6091" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/IMG_7463-scaled.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-6091 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Panama berry tree flower" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/IMG_7463-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6091" class="wp-caption-text">The flower of the Panama berry tree resembles a strawberry flower. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Panama berry is an evergreen tree native to tropical America but has been grown in south and central Florida as a tropical fruit tree in <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/2024/06/06/edible-landscaping-in-central-florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">edible landscapes</a>. It can be propagated by seed, cutting or air layering. This plant has been reported to naturalize in areas but has not yet been assessed by <a href="https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UF/IFAS Assessment of Nonnative Plants</a>. It is listed as &#8220;Not a Noxious Weed&#8221; in <a href="https://www.fnai.org/species-communities/invasives/invasive-species?ID=188" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida Natural Areas Inventory</a>. It is suitable for tropical and subtropical regions, zones 9b &#8211; 11 and has been documented as far north as Orlando as a cultivated plant in iNaturalist.
<figure id="attachment_6093" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6093" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/IMG_7464-scaled.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-6093 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Panama berry tree fruit" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/IMG_7464-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6093" class="wp-caption-text">The fruit of the Panama berry tree tastes like cotton candy. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
The harvest season of Panama berry is spring to summer, where it produces abundant amounts of juicy cotton candy flavored fruits on a daily basis. You can eat the skin of the fruit, or pop them in your mouth and squeeze out the tasty inner fruit and spit out the skin. The seeds are very tiny and edible. This tree can be propagated from seed, cutting, or air layer. The branches are weak and prone to breakage so frequent pruning of long branches is recommended.
<figure id="attachment_8667" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8667" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/IMG_1520-scaled.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-8667 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Panama berry tree fruits" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/IMG_1520-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8667" class="wp-caption-text">Abundant harvest of Panama berry fruits. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Learn more:
<div>Muntingia calabura (Jamaica cherry) on <a href="https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.35164" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CABI Digital Library</a> </div>
<div>Muntingia calabura on <a href="https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant/species/1551" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlas of Florida Plants</a></div>
<div>Calabur tree (Mutingia calabura) on <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/165586-Muntingia-calabura" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iNaturalist</a></div>
<div>Muntingia on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muntingia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wikipedia</a></div>
<figure id="attachment_9131" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9131" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/Panama-berry-yellow_MM.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-9131 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Panama berry tree yellow fruits" width="300" height="275" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/Panama-berry-yellow_MM-300x275.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9131" class="wp-caption-text">Yellow-fruited Panama berry tree. Photo: Michael Massuci, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Follow Us!
We have several ways to connect. Join our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ufifasextensionhillsboroughcounty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJtMNdNw7xDLqY3x8-7K0g">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ufifas_hillsboroughcounty/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-hillsborough-extension-8606873308">Eventbrite</a>, <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/author/tsilvasy/">Blogs</a>, and <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/lawngarden/master-gardener-program/">Website</a>
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email <a href="mailto:hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu">hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu</a>.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

The panama berry tree (Muntingia calabura) goes by many names such as strawberry tree, jam fruit tree, and cotton candy berry. The Panama berry is a tropical fruit tree with a strawberry looking flower and sweet edible fruits that taste like cotton candy. It can grow as a shrub or small tree to 35′ and produces small fruits nearly year-round that are tasty snacks for humans or wildlife such as birds. 

The flower of the Panama berry tree resembles a strawberry flower. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS
Panama berry is an evergreen tree native to tropical America but has been grown in south and central Florida as a tropical fruit tree in edible landscapes. It can be propagated by seed, cutting or air layering. This plant has been reported to naturalize in areas but has not yet been assessed by UF/IFAS Assessment of Nonnative Plants. It is listed as “Not a Noxious Weed” in Florida Natural Areas Inventory. It is suitable for tropical and subtropical regions, zones 9b – 11 and has been documented as far north as Orlando as a cultivated plant in iNaturalist.

The fruit of the Panama berry tree tastes like cotton candy. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS
The harvest season of Panama berry is spring to summer, where it produces abundant amounts of juicy cotton candy flavored fruits on a daily basis. You can eat the skin of the fruit, or pop them in your mouth and squeeze out the tasty inner fruit and spit out the skin. The seeds are very tiny and edible. This tree can be propagated from seed, cutting, or air layer. The branches are weak and prone to breakage so frequent pruning of long branches is recommended.

Abundant harvest of Panama berry fruits. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS
Learn more:

Muntingia calabura (Jamaica cherry) on CABI Digital Library 

Muntingia calabura on Atlas of Florida Plants

Calabur tree (Mutingia calabura) on iNaturalist

Muntingia on Wikipedia

Yellow-fruited Panama berry tree. Photo: Michael Massuci, UF/IFAS
Follow Us!

We have several ways to connect. Join our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Eventbrite, Blogs, and Website

If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

The panama berry tree (Muntingia calabura) goes by many names such as strawberry tree, jam fruit tree, and cotton candy berry. The Panama berry is a tropical fruit tree with a strawberry looking flower and sweet edible fruits that taste like cotton candy. It can grow as a shrub or small tree to 35′ and […]

Panama Berry Tree: Muntingia calabura

View the recording of the Edible Landscaping for Central Florida webinar on YouTube.  The concept of edible landscaping primarily applies to growing vegetables, herbs and fruit trees in a way where it fits in with your home landscape. There are many synonyms for edible landscaping such as permaculture, food forests, agroecology and more. With proper [&#8230;]

View the recording of the Edible Landscaping for Central Florida webinar on YouTube.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Edible Landscaping for Central Florida" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wr7NvOV6gI8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 The concept of edible landscaping primarily applies to growing vegetables, herbs and fruit trees in a way where it fits in with your home landscape. There are many synonyms for edible landscaping such as permaculture, food forests, agroecology and more. With proper plant selection and cultural practices, you can have a beautiful edible landscape that produces food year round in an environmentally friendly way. Use the nine <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida-Friendly Landscaping</a> principles to help guide your landscape decisions to grow edibles in a way that conserves water and reduces fertilizer and pesticide use. Match plants to the site conditions of your yard including soil moisture (wet/dry) and light exposure  (sun/shade). Consult the <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/mg248" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dooryard Fruit Varieties</a> EDIS publication to select fruit trees and cultivars appropriate for your region (North, Central, South Florida). Select vegetables for planting each season according to the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide.
&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_6081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6081" style="width: 438px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/dragonfruit_open_TS-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-6081 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Pink dragonfruit cut in half" width="438" height="328" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/06/dragonfruit_open_TS-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6081" class="wp-caption-text">Dragonfruit is one of the many perennial plants with edible fruit. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Here are some links to edible landscaping resources: 
Edible Landscaping publications 
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/collections/ffl-edible-landscaping">Ask IFAS: Florida-Friendly Edible Landscaping series (ufl.edu)</a> 
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide 
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021">SP 103/VH021: Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (ufl.edu)</a> 
Edibles to Plant Infographics 
<a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/plant-of-the-month/monthly-infographic.html">Edibles to Plant This Month &#8211; Gardening Solutions &#8211; University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (ufl.edu)</a> 
Dooryard Fruit Varieties 
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG248">FC23/MG248: Dooryard Fruit Varieties (ufl.edu)</a> 
Natural products for Managing Landscape and Garden Pests in Florida 
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN197">ENY-350/IN197: Natural Products for Managing Landscape and Garden Pests in Florida (ufl.edu)</a> 
UF FruitScapes website 
<a href="https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/fruitscapes/">FruitScapes &#8211; Tropical Fruit Management Program &#8211; UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)</a> 
&nbsp;
Follow Us!
We have several ways to connect. Join our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ufifasextensionhillsboroughcounty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJtMNdNw7xDLqY3x8-7K0g">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ufifas_hillsboroughcounty/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-hillsborough-extension-8606873308">Eventbrite</a>, <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/author/tsilvasy/">Blogs</a>, and <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/lawngarden/master-gardener-program/">Website</a>
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email <a href="mailto:hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu">hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu</a>.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

View the recording of the Edible Landscaping for Central Florida webinar on YouTube.



 The concept of edible landscaping primarily applies to growing vegetables, herbs and fruit trees in a way where it fits in with your home landscape. There are many synonyms for edible landscaping such as permaculture, food forests, agroecology and more. With proper plant selection and cultural practices, you can have a beautiful edible landscape that produces food year round in an environmentally friendly way. Use the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles to help guide your landscape decisions to grow edibles in a way that conserves water and reduces fertilizer and pesticide use. Match plants to the site conditions of your yard including soil moisture (wet/dry) and light exposure  (sun/shade). Consult the Dooryard Fruit Varieties EDIS publication to select fruit trees and cultivars appropriate for your region (North, Central, South Florida). Select vegetables for planting each season according to the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide.

 

Dragonfruit is one of the many perennial plants with edible fruit. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS
Here are some links to edible landscaping resources: 

Edible Landscaping publications 

Ask IFAS: Florida-Friendly Edible Landscaping series (ufl.edu) 

Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide 

SP 103/VH021: Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (ufl.edu) 

Edibles to Plant Infographics 

Edibles to Plant This Month – Gardening Solutions – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (ufl.edu) 

Dooryard Fruit Varieties 

FC23/MG248: Dooryard Fruit Varieties (ufl.edu) 

Natural products for Managing Landscape and Garden Pests in Florida 

ENY-350/IN197: Natural Products for Managing Landscape and Garden Pests in Florida (ufl.edu) 

UF FruitScapes website 

FruitScapes – Tropical Fruit Management Program – UF/IFAS (ufl.edu) 

 

Follow Us!

We have several ways to connect. Join our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Eventbrite, Blogs, and Website

If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

View the recording of the Edible Landscaping for Central Florida webinar on YouTube.  The concept of edible landscaping primarily applies to growing vegetables, herbs and fruit trees in a way where it fits in with your home landscape. There are many synonyms for edible landscaping such as permaculture, food forests, agroecology and more. With proper […]

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