Barbados Cherry Plant – Description
Botanical Name: Malpighia emarginata
Common Names: Barbados Cherry, Acerola, West Indian Cherry, Malpighia, Acerola Cherry
Family: Malpighiaceae
Native To: Caribbean, Central and South America

🌳 General Description:
The Barbados cherry is a small, fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree known for its bright red, cherry-like fruits that are extremely rich in Vitamin C. It is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions for its nutritional, medicinal, and ornamental value.

🌿 Botanical Features:
Height: 2–4 meters (6–13 feet), can be pruned to a hedge

Crown: Dense and spreading with a rounded shape

Leaves:

Shiny, green, ovate to elliptical

Slightly hairy and about 3–6 cm long

Flowers:

Small, pink to lavender

Five petals with frilly edges

Appear in clusters almost year-round in warm climates

Fruits:

Round, bright red, 1.5–2 cm in diameter

Soft, juicy pulp with 2–3 small triangular seeds

Tart to sweet-tart flavor, depending on ripeness and variety

🌞 Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Full sun (essential for heavy fruiting)

Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH

Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; sensitive to frost

Propagation: By seeds, air layering, or cuttings

🍒 Uses:
Nutritional:

One of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C (up to 30–50 times that of oranges)

Also contains Vitamin A, B vitamins, and antioxidants

Culinary:

Used fresh, in juices, smoothies, jams, jellies, syrups, and vitamin supplements

Medicinal (traditional & modern):

Immune booster

Supports skin health and digestion

Used in natural remedies for colds and fatigue

✂️ Care Tips:
Prune to shape and encourage bushiness

Mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilize with balanced organic or citrus fertilizer every 2–3 months during growing season

Protect young plants from strong winds and frost

🌿 Notable Characteristics:
Fruit-bearing Age: Starts bearing within 1–2 years in warm climates

Harvest Season: Can fruit multiple times a year with peak in spring-summer

Pest Resistance: Generally hardy, but may attract fruit flies or aphids

Would you like tips on growing Barbados cherry in containers or info on high-yield or sweeter varieties?