Acerola (Barbados cherry) Malpighia emarginata
Acerola (Barbados cherry) (Malpighia emarginata) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Malpighiaceae family, native to Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 3.5 m (11 ft) apart.
Plan Acerola (Barbados cherry) in your garden →
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Acerola (Barbados cherry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Malpighiaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Spacing | 3.5 m (11 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Caribbean, Central America and northern South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Acerola (Barbados cherry) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Ripe fruit is edible and very high in vitamin C; leaf and seed toxicity in pets is not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Acerola (Barbados cherry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Acerola (Barbados cherry)
- How far apart should I plant Acerola (Barbados cherry)?
- About 3.5 m (11 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft).
- Does Acerola (Barbados cherry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Acerola (Barbados cherry) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Acerola (Barbados cherry)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Acerola (Barbados cherry) flower?
- From about April for 9–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Acerola (Barbados cherry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Ripe fruit is edible and very high in vitamin C; leaf and seed toxicity in pets is not documented.
- What grows well with Acerola (Barbados cherry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Acerola (Barbados cherry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Frost-tender (zones 10–11) with brittle wood; fruit ripens only 3–4 weeks after each flush of flowers and spoils quickly after picking.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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