Barbados Cherry

How is the Barbados cherry cultivated and what are its growing requirements?

The Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is a tropical and subtropical shrub or small tree native to regions ranging from the West Indies and southern Texas down to northern South America. It is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant and for its tart, edible fruits, which are highly valued for their significant vitamin C content.¹

As an evergreen, the plant typically reaches a height of about 3.6 meters (12 feet). It produces pink or rosy flowers in clusters of three to five from the leaf axils throughout the summer. The resulting fruit is a red drupe similar in size to a common cherry.¹

While the provided information details the plant’s characteristics and native range, specific horticultural requirements such as soil preferences, water needs, or precise climate tolerances are not detailed in the available records.

Are there any notable varieties or cultivars of Barbados cherry?

The available information does not provide details regarding specific varieties or cultivars of the Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata). The current records focus on the general characteristics of the species and note that there has been some taxonomic confusion between the cultivated M. emarginata and the wild species Malpighia glabra, which is also commonly referred to as the Barbados cherry.¹

What are the key characteristics of the Barbados cherry plant and its fruit?

The Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is a tropical and subtropical shrub or small tree belonging to the Malpighiaceae family. Native to regions spanning from the West Indies and southern Texas to northern South America, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and for its edible fruit.¹

Key characteristics include:

• Plant Structure: It is an evergreen that typically reaches a height of about 3.6 meters (12 feet).¹
• Flowers: The plant produces pink or rosy flowers that are approximately 2 cm in diameter. These appear throughout the summer, growing in clusters of three to five from the leaf axils.¹
• Fruit: The fruit is a red drupe similar in size to a common cherry. It is known for its tart flavor and exceptionally high vitamin C content, making it valuable for preserves and commercial vitamin production.¹²

Taxonomic confusion sometimes exists between the cultivated M. emarginata and the wild species Malpighia glabra, which is also commonly referred to as the Barbados cherry or acerola.¹²

What is the scientific name of the Barbados cherry and where is it native to?

The scientific name of the cultivated Barbados cherry is Malpighia emarginata. It is native to regions extending from the West Indies and southern Texas southward to northern South America.²¹

Please note that there is some taxonomic confusion regarding this plant, as the wild species Malpighia glabra is also commonly referred to as the Barbados cherry.³²