Muntingia calabura - Flora of Qatar

Aratilis, Bajelly tree, calabur tree, capulin, Jamaica cherry, mansanitas, Panama berry, Sabah cherry, sagase, saresa, Singapore cherry, strawberry tree

Extract from Wikipedia article

Muntingia calabura, the sole species in the genus Muntingia, is a flowering plant native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and western South America south to Peru and Bolivia. Common names include (English) calabur tree, capulin, Jamaica cherry, Panama berry, strawberry tree, Singapore cherry, Sabah cherry, Bajelly tree; (Tagalog) aratilis, and saresa; and (Cebuano, Ilokano) mansanitas and sagase in Kannada.[+]

It is a small tree, 7–12 m tall with tiered and slightly drooping branches. It has serrated leaves 2.5–15 cm long and 1–6.5 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and slightly malodorous. It gives rise to 1.0- to 1.5-cm light red fruit. The fruit is edible, sweet, and juicy, and contains a large number of tiny (0.5-mm) yellow seeds.

It is a pioneer species that thrives in poor soil, able to tolerate acidic and alkaline conditions and drought. Its seeds are dispersed by birds and fruit bats. It is cultivated for its edible fruit, and has become naturalised in some other parts of the tropics, including southeastern Asia. As a pioneer plant, it could help condition the soil and make it habitable to other plants. However, it might also be considered as an invasive species since it might outcompete indigenous plants.

AI-generated Description

Muntingia calabura, also known as Jamaican cherry or Panama berry, is a small tree native to tropical America. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and is considered an invasive species. Studies have found that Muntingia calabura has been introduced to Qatar through human activity and has established itself in urban areas, particularly in Doha. It thrives in the country's warm and dry climate, and its ability to grow in a variety of soil types has allowed it to spread rapidly. The plant's presence in Qatar has raised concerns about its potential impact on native vegetation and ecosystems.

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Muntingia calabura in Qatar reveal the presence of this plant in the Lejbailat area of Doha. On Al Husain Street, a bee was spotted on a flower of the calabur tree, indicating pollination activity. The tree itself was observed to be thriving, with visible flowers and fruits. The flowers were noted to be present on the tree, while the fruits, also known as Jamaica cherries, were observed to be growing on the tree. Photographs taken on April 1, 2015, provide evidence of the plant's existence in this region, showcasing its ability to grow and produce fruit in Qatar's environment. The observations highlight the tree's characteristics, including its flowers, fruits, and interaction with local wildlife, such as bees.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Muntingia calabura L.

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Common names