Barbados 'Acerola' Cherry Tree

Barbados Acerola Cherry: Fast-Growing with a Touch of Sweetness

The Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata), also known as Acerola Cherry Tree, is the perfect mix of beauty and function. This fast-growing tropical fruit tree gives you a generous harvest of bright red cherries packed with tart-sweet flavor. Whether you enjoy them fresh, turn them into jams, or blend them into homemade juices, these cherries bring a burst of tropical taste straight to your home.

Beyond its delicious fruit, this tree is a gorgeous addition to any landscape. Its glossy green leaves provide year-round beauty, while delicate pink and purple flowers attract butterflies and pollinators. Plus, its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, patios, or even container growing.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Heavy Fruit Producer – Yields abundant cherries in the spring and summer, sometimes fruiting multiple times a year in warm climates.
• Compact & Versatile – Perfect for containers, small gardens, or yards of any size.
• Nutrient-Rich Fruit – Acerola cherries are known for their exceptionally high vitamin C content. One cherry contains more vitamin C than an entire orange! (Source: USDA)
• Low Maintenance – Drought-tolerant once established and resistant to many pests.
• Attracts Pollinators – Bees and butterflies love the delicate flowers, making it great for a pollinator-friendly garden.

What Makes It Special?

Unlike traditional cherry trees that require cold winters, the Barbados Cherry thrives in warm climates, making it a fantastic alternative for gardeners in zones 9-11. Even if you live in a cooler climate, you can grow it in a container and bring it indoors during colder months.

Its fruit is unique too—soft, juicy, and packed with a mix of sweet and tart flavors, similar to a cranberry crossed with an apple. Fresh off the tree, they’re a refreshing snack, but they also shine in smoothies, syrups, and even tropical cocktails.

Growing & Care Tips

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. More sunlight means better fruit production.
• Watering: Moderate water needs; prefers well-draining soil and doesn’t tolerate soggy roots. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant.
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil works best. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
• Pruning: Light pruning helps maintain shape and encourages more branching (and more fruit!).
• Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer during the growing season keeps it productive and healthy.

Perfect For:

• Edible Landscaping – A fruiting tree that looks just as good as it tastes.
• Small Spaces & Patios – Its compact nature makes it an easy fit.
• Pollinator Gardens – Bring in the butterflies and bees.
• Tropical & Subtropical Gardens – Thrives in warm, humid climates.

If you love the idea of picking fresh, nutrient-packed cherries right from your own backyard, the Barbados Cherry is a must-have. Add it to your garden and enjoy both its beauty and its bounty!

Plant Details

• Mature Height: 6-12 feet (can be kept smaller in containers)
• Mature Width: 4-8 feet
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Botanical Name: Malpighia emarginata
• Other Common Names: Acerola Cherry Tree, West Indian Cherry, Barbados Cherry Tree, Thai Cherry