Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata)
The Barbados Cherry, also known as West Indian Cherry or Acerola, is a tropical fruiting shrub or small tree. It is native to the Lesser Antilles and tropical or sub-tropical regions of Central and South America. Barbados Cherry fruit is bright red in color and is LOADED with Vitamin C - 134% of your daily need to be exact.
Barbados Cherry is cultivated for the production of juice in some parts of the world, especially Brazil, much like oranges are cultivated in Florida. Mature plants can handle light frosts and will survive slight periods of drought. Barbados Cherry trees are incredibly easy to grow and care for and will fruit with little effort.
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.
