Malpighia glabra: The Vitamin-Packed Acerola Cherry

The Superfruit Acerola

Malpighia glabra, commonly called Acerola, Barbados Cherry, or Wild Crapemyrtle, is a large shrub or small tree native to the Caribbean, Central and South America. It's prized both ornamentally and for its incredibly vitamin C-rich fruits.

Taxonomic Information

Ornamental & Edible Qualities

This evergreen plant grows 8-15 feet tall with a dense, rounded habit. Small pink to white flowers with fringed petals appear in cycles throughout the year, followed by bright red, cherry-like fruits 1/2-1 inch in diameter. The fruits contain 20-30 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight, making them a true superfruit.

The glossy, ovate leaves are attractive year-round. Acerola thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. It's drought-tolerant once established but fruits best with regular moisture. Hardy in zones 9b-11; can be container-grown in cooler climates.

Uses & Benefits

Excellent as a fruiting hedge, screen, or specimen shrub. The fruits are used fresh, juiced, or processed into supplements, jams, and beverages. Commercial cultivation for vitamin C extraction is significant in Brazil. The plant also has traditional medicinal uses. Attracts pollinators and birds.