It became popular for its production habits and relative cold-hardiness and is widely grown in Florida.
[1] The tree first fruited in 1935 and 'Monroe' was patented in the name of Joseph R. Byrum (manager of Phillips' grove in Homestead) on August 24, 1937, receiving plant patent number 261.
[2][3] It was likely a hybrid of West Indian and Guatemalan types and was reportedly a cross between the 'Waldin' and 'Eagle Rock' cultivars.
These traits helped establish 'Monroe' as a commercial cultivar in Florida, where it was also recommended for home growing.
The fruit averages about 2 pounds (0.91 kg) in weight at maturity, which generally occurs from December to January in Florida.