Description

General aspect and origins - Malpighia glabra is also known as acerola, Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry. It is a tree that is native to Yucatan, and which has spread to Central America to northern South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. It can reach up to 20 ft tall, but will be generally smaller. Flowers are white, red or more often pink. They are followed by edible bright red fruits, that look like the common cherry.
Leaves - The Barbados cherry has an evergreen foliage. Young leaves are hairy, but turn glabrous, dark-green and glossy when mature. They can then be up to about 2-3 in (5 to 7.5 cm) long.
Flowers - The flowers have 5 pink, lavender-red or white petals. Flowering is generally induced by dry/rain periods.
Fruits - The Barbados cherry, or acerola, is a round to oblate fruit, which looks like a bright red cherry. Unlike common cherries however, this fruit has ribs (generally 3). The skin is smooth, and the flesh is juicy, slighly acidic and orange-red. The fruit is known to contain high levels of vitamin C, with about 1500 mg per 100 g of fruits.

Culture

This tropical tree can be grow in USDA zones 10 and warmer. However, it can withstand very slight frosts, and a mature tree will survive temperatures down to about 28°F (-2°C)
Soil - The Barbados cherry prefers a neutral, fertile and fairly well-drained ground.

Propagation

This tree can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, layers ou can be grafted. However, it is generally propagated by cuttings, which is a relatively easy process.