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.
How to Grow Barbados Cherry
Plant Type
Subtropical / Tropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season
Spring, Summer
Mature Size
8-12 ft tall and wide
Soil & Moisture
Prefers deep, fertile, slightly acidic and well-draining sandy soil. Barbados Cherry is drought tolerant but also enjoys moisture.
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile
Yes
Growth Rate
Fast, Medium
Zone Hardiness
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection until established; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation
Our Barbados Cherry trees are either grown from cutting or tissue culture and will produce fruit within 1 or 2 years. The X-Large size is considerably more established with more branches however both sizes will fruit around the same time.
