Malpighia emarginata
Barbados Cherry is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean that grows up to 12 feet tall and wide with a rounded, multi-trunked form. This fast-growing tropical plant features delicate foliage and produces small, attractive pink flowers intermittently from spring through fall, followed by bright red, cherry-like fruits. The tart, edible fruits are exceptionally high in vitamin C—containing 30 times more than oranges—and ripen about one month after flowering. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, it's drought-tolerant once established and serves as an excellent ornamental shrub, specimen plant, or container plant in zones 9B-11, attracting butterflies and providing edible fruit for both wildlife and humans.
Malpighia emarginata
Barbados Cherry is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean that grows up to 12 feet tall and wide with a rounded, multi-trunked form. This fast-growing tropical plant features delicate foliage and produces small, attractive pink flowers intermittently from spring through fall, followed by bright red, cherry-like fruits. The tart, edible fruits are exceptionally high in vitamin C—containing 30 times more than oranges—and ripen about one month after flowering. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, it's drought-tolerant once established and serves as an excellent ornamental shrub, specimen plant, or container plant in zones 9B-11, attracting butterflies and providing edible fruit for both wildlife and humans.
Non-native, Florida-friendly, large shrub or small fruiting tree (15 ft)
Full sun to light shade, average (well-drained) soil with organic compost amendments
Cold hardy once established, drought tolerant
Fruits spring through December, small, cherry-like fruits are high in vitamin C and can be eaten raw or made into jams or syrups
