Acerola
Malpighia emarginata
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Description
Acerola, or Malpighia emarginata, is a small, bushy shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere, including the Caribbean and Central and South America. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Acerola is valued for its role as an understory shrub in food forests, providing habitat and food for wildlife while contributing to biodiversity. Its bright red, cherry-like fruits are exceptionally high in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a nutritional powerhouse. Historically, Acerola has been used in traditional medicine and as a natural dye. It is an excellent choice for natural farming systems due to its adaptability to various soil types and its use as a hedge or windbreak, thanks to its dense foliage and resilience to pruning. Acerola can be paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea to enhance soil fertility.
Growing Details
Acerola thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to enhance fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as marigolds can help deter nematodes, while basil can repel aphids. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully red for optimal flavor and nutritional content. Store harvested fruits in a cool, dry place and cons
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Windbreak
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Malpighia emarginata</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to the Caribbean, Central America, and
applicable geo region: Tropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Acerola fruits are consumed fresh and are also used to make juices, jams, and jellies. They are highly valued for their high vitamin C content, which is significantly higher than that of oranges. The fruits can be harvested when fully ripe for maximum sweetness and nutritional value.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Acerola is used in traditional medicine primarily for its high vitamin C content, which is believed to boost the immune system, improve skin health, and act as a natural antioxidant. The fruit can be consumed fresh or in the form of extracts and supplements. Caution is advised for individuals with a sensitivity to high vitamin C intake.
health concerns: Excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to high vitamin C content.
other uses: Acerola can be used as a hedge or windbreak in agroecological systems, providing shelter and habitat for beneficial insects and birds.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Malpighia emarginata
common names: Barbados Cherry; West Indian Cherry; Wild Che
family: Malpighiaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Malpighia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 2.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 20 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Fast
max height: 3.0 m
max width: 2.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Acerola thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to enhance fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as marigolds can help deter nematodes, while basil can repel aphids. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully red for optimal flavor and nutritional content. Store harvested fruits in a cool, dry place and cons
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids and fruit flies. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic deterrents. Planting basil or marigolds nearby can help repel pests naturally.
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