The Manila Tennis Ball Cherry (often botanically identified as Flacourtia sp. or sometimes Eugenia reinwardtiana) is a rare tropical fruit shrub celebrated for its sweet, berry-like flavor and ornamental beauty. Despite the name, the fruit is not actually the size of a tennis ball—it is typically about 1 inch (3–4 cm) in diameter, roughly the size of a large cherry or a "miniature" tennis ball.
Below is a detailed description of its characteristics:
Appearance & Texture
Fruit: Round, glossy, and vibrant. It starts green and ripens into a deep red or reddish-purple hue. The skin is smooth and thin, while the flesh inside is soft, juicy, and surrounds a small, cherry-like pit.
Foliage: The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree with lush, dark green leaves that are oval or elliptical. In some varieties, the leaves may have lightly serrated edges.
Flowers: Before fruiting, the tree produces small, fragrant white blossoms that are highly attractive to pollinators like bees.
Flavor Profile
The Manila Tennis Ball Cherry is often rated as one of the best-tasting tropical "cherries."
Taste: It is primarily sweet with subtle, complex notes of grape, honey, and mixed berries.
Tanginess: Some varieties or slightly under-ripe fruits may have a mild citrusy tang, though it is generally much sweeter than the common Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), which can sometimes have a resinous aftertaste.
Growth & Cultivation
Plant Type: A hardy, slow-to-moderate growing shrub that typically reaches 10–15 feet in height but can be kept smaller through pruning.
Climate: It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates (21°C–38°C). It is drought-tolerant once established but does not tolerate frost well.
Versatility: Due to its dense foliage and thorns (in some Flacourtia species), it is often used as a "living fence" or hedge, as well as an ornamental centerpiece.
Fruiting Time: Grafted or layered plants usually begin to bear fruit within 3–4 years.
