Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata)

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
11 Reviews
Regular price $19.95
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44 in stock

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Vitamin C Powerhouse with Delicious, Tangy Fruit

Common Names: Barbados Cherry, Acerola Cherry, West Indian Cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle
Family: Malpighiaceae
Origin: Caribbean, Central America, Northern South America

Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata), also known as Acerola Cherry or West Indian Cherry, is a tropical and subtropical fruit tree prized for its small, bright red cherries packed with vitamin C. The fruit has a tangy, sweet-tart flavor and is highly valued for its health benefits, particularly its exceptionally high vitamin C content—up to 30 times more than oranges. The tree is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree that produces fruit throughout the year in warm climates. It’s both a beautiful ornamental addition to the garden and a highly productive fruiting plant, making it a favorite among home gardeners.

Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value

Fruits: The tree produces small, bright red cherries that are juicy and rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. The fruit has a sweet-tart flavor, with the tartness increasing as the fruit ripens. Barbados Cherries are commonly used fresh, juiced, or made into jams, jellies, and desserts.

Foliage: The plant has glossy, green leaves that provide an attractive backdrop to the small, pink flowers that bloom throughout the year. The dense foliage makes it a good choice for hedges or screens in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Growth Habit: Barbados Cherry is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 6-12 feet, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. It thrives in warm climates and produces fruit year-round in optimal conditions.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Barbados Cherry is prized for its health benefits, particularly its high vitamin C content, which makes it a popular ingredient in juices, smoothies, and health supplements. The fruit can be eaten fresh, though it is often used in jams, jellies, sauces, and syrups due to its tart flavor. In traditional medicine, the fruit has been used to boost the immune system, treat colds, and promote skin health.

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.

Our Plantable Coconut Coir & Peat Pots are 100% biodegradable, compostable and can be planted directly in the soil! Our Nursery & Citrapots are recyclable and reusable!
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
Based on 11 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 10 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 0
91%would recommend this product
11 reviews
  • MM
    Milton M.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? Yes
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7 months ago
    Pretty plant

    Beautiful, robust plants can't wait to get them in the ground. Made even better by their fantastic BOGO deal!!!

  • J
    Jenna
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7 months ago
    5 Stars

    Arrived in great shape and still warm. We acclimated it to our climate slowly and then put her in the ground in AZ 2 weeks later. She is doing well and has put out new growth all over.

  • J
    Jose
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    5 Stars

    Sow Exotic did an excellent job in packaging. They arrived intact and on time. It’s my second order from them and can’t wait to order more.

  • M
    Marykay
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    5 Stars

    This plant was amazing very generous and Sowexotic packaging and instructions makes me have a green thumb,, I’m well on my way to a food Forrest,,SOWEXCITED 😊

  • R
    Robin
    I do not recommend this product
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    2 Stars

    Small plant, yellowing, not very healthy.

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