Read on for more Barbados cherry information, and learn how to grow Barbados cherry in your garden. Barbados cherry is native to the West Indies, but has naturalized as far as southern Texas. The tart to sweet-tart flesh surrounds a number of seeds. Life is said to be like a bowl of cherries, but having a cherry tree that fails to fruit is the pits. The latter is an acid selection with much larger fruit. Evergreen, the Barbados cherry produces lovely, lush green foliage. They attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11. A number of improved selections have been developed. An ornamental shrub growing to around 3 metres, Acerola puts on a fine show of colour through summer as the fruits mature from green through pink to red and finally a scarlet, almost black red colour ..\. Acerola cherry, also called barbados cherry, are a bit confusing to look for at first. News: The Internet's Finest Tropical Fruit Discussion Forum! Some of the bright red to deep crimson colored fruit are said to resemble small apples. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor. The Flowering Dwarf Barbados Cherry is native to St. Croix, Trinidad and Curacao. Barbados Cherry is now available in commercial garden centers. Homeowners should look for improved clones such as `Florida Sweet' and `B-17'. About the Acerola Tree. Cherry Trees That Do Not Bear Fruit. Barbados cherry is not deer resistant. Barbados cherry seedlings are quite variable and fruit quality is usually not as good as desired. The red fruit is a drupe the size of a cherry. Another species commonly called Barbados cherry is the wild Malpighia glabra, which has been the subject of some taxonomic confusion with the cultivated species. "All discussion content within the forum reflects the views of individual participants only and do not necessarily represent the views held by the Tropical Fruit Forum as an organization." They have a thin, glossy skin that covers yellow-orange, soft, juicy pulp. Source: Starr. The small pink flowers, which bloom in spurts from April through October, look very similar to the flowers of crape myrtle. To protect the integrity of the fruit and to avoid killing butterfly larvae, it is important to purchase from a center that can guarantee the plant has not been treated with systemic pesticide. Adequate water maximizes fruit yield and promotes good growth, especially when the Barbados cherry tree develops blooms or is fruiting. Season It is known to be the larval host for four species of native butterflies. The name Malpighia is used to honor Marcello Malpighia (1628-1693). The Barbados cherry is a small, round to oblate fruit, averaging about 1 inch in diameter. Here's a great cherry substitute for warmer climates called the Barbados cherry or Acerola or West Indian cherry. I have seen the Barbados cherry fruit stung by fruit fly but rarely does the larva develop in the fruit itself. The main fruiting species is Malpighia emarginata, and it produces prolific harvests of sweet acerola fruit. Barbados cherry produces a lovely bright red fruit that is edible and high in vitamin C, but quite tart. He was a distinguished naturalist in Bologna, Italy. Although not compulsory, the use of mulch is desirable because it retains soil moisture, keeps roots cool, prevents weeds and controls pests. However, stings from fruit fly and other insects can affect the fruit development and make them grow poorly. Birds are not usually a problem; however, I have seen the odd cherry swiped by birds so netting may be required in other areas. Acerola, or Barbados Cherry, is the second highest known natural source of Vitamin ‘C’ or ascorbic acid, exceeded only by Rose Hips. There’s three different botanical names associated with them.