The Manila Tennis Ball Cherry, scientifically known as Eugenia Reinwardtiana, is indigenous to Australia and is celebrated for its delectable taste, earning it the reputation as one of the finest fruits in the region. These cherries are also found in tropical rainforests located in Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, and Hawaii. A member of the Myrtaceae family, the Manila cherry shares its lineage with the Lily Pilly Berry.
These cherries thrive as shrubs or small trees, characterized by their round shape and an elegant display of white blossoms that precede the fruit. They grow on branches nestled between pairs of dark green, oval to elliptical leaves. The exterior skin of the cherry boasts a smooth texture and radiates a rich red hue. Beneath this outer layer, the flesh is tender and juicy, enveloping a cherry-like pit. The flavor profile of Manila cherries is pleasantly sweet, featuring subtle notes reminiscent of berries and grapes.
Commonly referred to as Muntingia, these cherries belong to the Flacourtia genus. Their blooming period and fruit-bearing typically commence around the 3-4 year mark, with the cultivation and maintenance requirements falling into the moderate range.
