Jocote Tree, Red (Spondias purpurea)Jocote fruit (pronounced ho CO tay) grow on these deciduous Red Jacote trees in warm tropical climates. They begin to develop following tiny red flowers, before any leaves appear on the tree. Jocote fruit grows along thick, knobby branches in clusters or alone. Young Jocote fruit are green or yellowish green and ripen to a purple or red color; some variants of the species will ripen to a yellow color. The thin skin has a waxy appearance and is edible.