The Barbados cherry is a large, bushy shrub or small tree 10-15 feet in height and an equal width. The tree is erect, spreading and drooping, with a short trunk to 4 inches in diameter. Its evergreen leaves are elliptic,oblong and somewhat wavy, 3/4 to 2 3/4 inches long, dark green, and glossy when mature. The flowers have 5 pink or lavender, spoon-shaped, fringed petals. The fruits, borne singly or in 2's or 3's in the leaf but more or less obviously 3-lobed; 1/2 to 1 inch wide; bright-red, with thin, glossy skin and orange-colored, very juicy, with high concentrations of Vitamin C.
Acerola - Barbados Cherry - Malpighia emarginata
Can be grown in full or partial sun. pH 5.5-6.5 Mature height of 10-15', smaller in containers. Hardiness zone 9-12. Feed twice Annually 8-8-13. Mature trees can tolerate brief temperature drops to 28 degrees. Can tolerate long periods of drought.