Latin name - Malphigia emarginata

Barbados Cherry, also known as Acerola Cherry, is a large bush which produces pink flowers followed by bright red cherry-like fruit.  When eaten ripe they are sweet, juicy, and full of vitamin C.  In fact, one Barbados Cherry fruit contains as much vitamin C as an orange!  They are very easy to grow and don’t require much care at all, and for these reasons we consider Barbados Cherry a must-have plant in a Florida food forest.

Barbados Cherry has been called a “super fruit” and is grown around the world for its health benefits, including in the USA where it has been adopted by the supplement industry as a rich source of ascorbic acid.  The plant literally “thrives on neglect” in our gardens and produces well with zero attention, other than an occasional haircut.  There doesn’t seem to be a specific season for Barbados Cherry, rather it will flower and fruit sporadically any time of year. It does best in full sun and is not fussy about soil type, is wind resistant, and it can be pruned or shaped into a tree or bush depending on your preference.  Barbados Cherry can even be grown in a pot and will fruit reliably.

We recommend planting a Barbados Cherry in your garden to enjoy its many benefits!  

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Size: 8’ wide x 8’ tall with pruning 

Sun Requirements:  Full sun

Cold Hardy: 30 degrees

Harvest Season:  Can vary

Watering requirements: Very drought tolerant once established

Food Forest Layer: Shrub