A great source of Vitamin C, Barbados cherries are tart and bright red and have a juicy cherry flavor. Because of their intense red coloring, Barbados cherries are often used in jellies and jams; alcoholic beverages such as wine; desserts such as ice creams, pies and popsicles; syrups; and sauces. Malpighia emarginata grows as a small, woody tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall in its native environs of South America and the Caribbean (the name Acerola is from Puerto Rico). When grown in a pot here in the PNW, it’s more likely to reach six to ten feet. Malpighia flowers from April to October and bears fruit about a month later. It prefers dry, well-drained, sandy soil and full sun, and cannot endure temperatures lower than 30 °F. A sufficient water supply is advantageous for good growth and maximum yields of large fruits. This is especially important during fruiting and flowering. Optimal growth conditions are reached at a mean temperature of 79 °F. Hardy to Zones 8-11. Full sun.
Malpighia emarginata Barbados Cherry (Acerola)
Description
A great source of Vitamin C, Barbados cherries are tart and bright red and have a juicy cherry flavor. Because of their intense red coloring, Barbados cherries are often used in jellies and jams; alcoholic beverages such as wine; desserts such as ice creams, pies and popsicles; syrups; and sauces. Malpighia emarginata grows as a small, woody tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall in its native environs of South America and the Caribbean (the name Acerola is from Puerto Rico). When grown in a pot here in the PNW, it’s more likely to reach six to ten feet. Malpighia flowers from April to October and bears fruit about a month later. It prefers dry, well-drained, sandy soil and full sun, and cannot endure temperatures lower than 30 °F. A sufficient water supply is advantageous for good growth and maximum yields of large fruits. This is especially important during fruiting and flowering. Optimal growth conditions are reached at a mean temperature of 79 °F. Hardy to Zones 8-11. Full sun.
