Dwarf Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra ‘Nana’)
This fruiting shrub or tree known as Dwarf Barbados Cherry, West Indian Cherry, or Acerola is native to tropical/subtropical Central/South America and the Lesser Antilles. Packed with Vitamin C, its vibrant red fruit is used for juice production in countries like Brazil. Easy to grow and care for, mature Barbados Cherry trees can withstand light frosts and brief droughts. Grow yours and enjoy the delicious benefits!
The Dwarf Barbados Cherry grows to about 2-4 feet tall. It is a dense, evergreen shrub that produces an abundance of pink flowers in summer followed by small red fruit. The small fruits are edible but not very tasty. Each flower petal has a very slender base, a trait characteristic (but not unique) of this family. It is very drought tolerant. Dwarf Barbados Cherry grows amazingly in full sun or part shade. This dwarf form is found in Texas and Florida and is cold hardier than the larger Caribbean form. Grows best in well-drained soil and is very adaptable.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Malpighia emarginata |
| Common Names | Barbados Cherry, Acerola, West Indian Cherry, Puerto Rican Cherry |
| Family | Malpighiaceae |
| Origin | Caribbean, Central & South America |
| Plant Type | Evergreen tropical fruit shrub/tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 8–12 ft tall x 6–10 ft wide (can be pruned smaller) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate; regular watering during fruiting |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy to loamy |
| Bloom Time | Spring through fall; multiple flushes |
| Flower Color | Pink to lavender |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Cuttings, air layering, seeds |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen |
| Time to Harvest | 1–2 years; fruits multiple times per year |
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