Acerola, Barbados Cherry

Malpighia emarginata

Physical Characteristics

Malpighia emarginata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

C. America - Mexico to northern S. America and the Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Drink Fruit - raw or cooked[301 ]. The bright red fruit can range in flavour from sweet to somewhat acid[296 , 301 ]. As well as being eaten out of hand, they can also be stewed, made into juices, sauces, jellies, jams, wines or purees[301 , 317 ]. The fruits are very rich in vitamin C (1 - 4 g per 100 g juice)[296 , 317 ]. They are widely used in the preparation of vitamin tablets and other nutritional supplements[301 ]. The juice is added to other juices in order to improve their nutritional value[317 ]. Plants can produce 2 - 3 crops of fruit a year[296 ].

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery Vitamin C The fruits are considered beneficial against liver problems, diarrhoea, dysentery, coughs and colds[303 ]. The bark exudes a gum that is recommended as a pectoral[348 ]. Known historically as a natural source of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Ascorbic acid levels in fresh acerola fruit are in the range of 1.5 to 4% by weight. A glass of acerola juice (180-ml) contains 35mg/ml of ascorbic acid the same as 14 litres of orange Juice.

Known Hazards

None known