Barbados Cherry (Malpighia punicifolia) is a versatile shrub or small tree that delights with its year-round beauty and bounty. This plant produces clusters of small pink flowers from April to October, followed by bright red, vitamin C-rich fruits that are loved by both humans and wildlife. It can serve as a dense hedge, a specimen plant, or even a patio pot plant, adding ornamental value with its delicate foliage and attractive blooms. The fruits, commonly known as acerola cherries, are not only ornamental but also highly nutritious, making this plant both functional and visually appealing in various landscape settings.
Scientific Name: Malpighia punicifolia
Origin: South Texas, Mexico
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Spread: 3 to 4 feet
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Blooms: April-October
USDA Zones: 8-10
Larval Host: Brown-banded Skipper, White-patched Skipper, Florida Duskywing, Cassius Blue
