Malpighia emarginata or also known in various names such as acerola, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, and wild crepe myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a short bole and spreading branches. It usually grows about 2-3 m in height. The branches are brittle. The leaves are simple ovate-lanceolate, opposite, and with small hairs. The flowers are bisexual with five pink or red petals. The fruits are bright red drupes, juicy, and has high vitamin C content making the fruits taste sour. The fruits are edible, usually eaten raw but also made into juices, baby food, jam, etc. Acerola is native to South America, southern Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Central America. It is also grown as ornaments and for hedges.
Malpighia emarginata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m by 4 m at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone 10 and is frost tender.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Easily grown in a good soil and a sunny position. Seedlings can fruit when only 2 - 3 years old, but are not always of as good quality as their parents. Flowering Time: Mid Spring Late Spring/Early Summer. Bloom Color: Pink. Spacing: 15-18 in. 18-24 in. 24-36 in. 36-48 in. 4-6 ft. 6-8 ft. .
HabitatsNot known