Acerola – Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata)

Malpighia emarginata – Plant Profile and Landscaping Uses

Acerola, commonly known as the Barbados Cherry, is a small tropical to subtropical fruit tree valued for its bright red, vitamin C–rich fruit and glossy evergreen foliage.

The accepted botanical name is Malpighia emarginata (often still listed under Malpighia glabra in older references). It is native to the West Indies and tropical regions of the Americas.

This is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed small tree or large shrub that typically reaches around 3–4 metres in height. It has a naturally bushy habit, making it suitable for home gardens, edible hedging, and container growing.

In spring to summer, small white flowers appear and gradually fade to soft pink before developing into bright red cherry-like fruit.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Botanical Name	Malpighia emarginata
Common Name	Acerola, Barbados Cherry
Plant Type	Tropical fruit tree
Origin	West Indies / tropical Americas
Height	3–4m
Spread	Around 2m
Growth Rate	Fast
Position	Full sun
Soil	Humus-rich, well-drained soil
Water Needs	Moderate (higher for fruit production)
Frost Tolerance	None (especially when young)
Foliage	Glossy green evergreen leaves
Fruit	Small red cherry-like fruit (high vitamin C)
Container Suitability	Yes

Growing Conditions

Acerola performs best in warm, frost-free tropical and subtropical climates.

It prefers:

• Full sun for best flowering and fruiting
• Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• Regular moisture during active growth and fruiting

While it can tolerate short dry periods, fruit production is significantly reduced during drought stress. Consistent watering is key for reliable yields.

Wind protection is also important, as plants are shallow rooted and can suffer in exposed positions.

Care

Once established, Malpighia emarginata is relatively low maintenance but responds strongly to good care.

Key care points:

• Water regularly during dry periods, especially when fruiting
• Apply a balanced fertiliser, with added potassium for better fruit production
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and protect shallow roots
• Avoid disturbing soil around the base of the plant

Fruiting and Pollination

Acerola is self-pollinating, meaning a single plant can produce fruit.

However, improved yields are often seen with:

• Good sunlight exposure
• Consistent moisture
• Warm temperatures during flowering

Fruit production may decline in dry years or cooler conditions.

Pruning

Plants can be pruned hard if needed, but heavy pruning may temporarily reduce fruiting.

Best practice:

• Prune after harvest in autumn
• Remove old or overcrowded stems
• Light shaping encourages better flowering wood

It may take 1–2 seasons for heavy pruning to recover full fruit production.

Container Growing

Acerola is well suited to large pots or containers when kept pruned.

Container tips:

• Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage
• Water more frequently than in-ground plants
• Feed regularly during the growing season
• Keep size controlled with light pruning

Acerola fruit is high in vitamin C and Acerola are popular for use in Bonsai. These trees are grown commercially on a small scale in Australia.

Landscaping and Uses

Beyond fruit production, Acerola is also valued as an ornamental edible plant.

It is commonly used for:

• Edible gardens
• Tropical hedging
• Small garden feature trees
• Courtyard planting
• Container fruit production
• Bonsai cultivation

Its glossy foliage and compact form make it both productive and decorative.

Additional Notes

• Fruit is exceptionally high in vitamin C
• Can be grown commercially on a small scale in Australia
• Performs best in protected warm climates
• Sensitive to frost and cold winds

Where to Buy

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