Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata)
Vitamin C Superfruit with Tropical Sweet-Tart Flavor
Barbados Cherry, also known as Acerola, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree famous for its bright red, cherry-sized fruits packed with vitamin C—up to 30 times more than an orange! Native to the Caribbean and Central America, this fast-growing fruiter thrives in warm, sunny climates and produces multiple crops per year. Its glossy leaves, pink-lavender blossoms, and abundant fruits make it as beautiful as it is productive. The fruits are juicy, sweet-tart, and perfect for smoothies, juices, jellies, and fresh eating straight off the tree.
Why Grow Barbados Cherry?
- Produces cherry-sized fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Multiple crops per year in warm climates
- Fast-growing, evergreen, and highly ornamental
- Delicious in juices, smoothies, jams, and desserts
- Pollinator-friendly blooms attract bees and butterflies
Growing Tips:
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Barbados Cherry loves warmth and humidity, performing best in USDA Zones 9–11. Water regularly, especially during fruiting, but avoid waterlogging. Mulch to conserve moisture and feed with a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season. Prune lightly to shape and maintain manageable size. Can be grown in large containers in cooler climates and overwintered indoors.
Cultural & Culinary Significance:
Barbados Cherry (Acerola) is beloved across the Caribbean, Brazil, and Latin America as both a superfruit and a cultural staple. Its fruits are widely used for fresh juices, syrups, candies, and natural vitamin C supplements. In folk medicine, the fruit has been valued for immune-boosting and restorative properties for generations. Growing Barbados Cherry means not only enjoying a steady supply of tropical treats but also nurturing a plant with a rich cultural legacy and ecological value.
| 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 |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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