Acerola
Malpighia emarginata
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Description
Acerola, or Malpighia emarginata, is a small, bushy shrub or small tree native to the tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere, including the Caribbean and Central and South America. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, acerola plays a crucial role as an understory shrub in food forest systems, providing habitat and food for wildlife while enhancing biodiversity. Its bright red, cherry-like fruits are exceptionally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a nutritional powerhouse. Historically, acerola has been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits 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 living hedge or windbreak, thanks to its dense foliage and resilience to pruning. Acerola can be effectively paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea to improve soil fertility. Additionally, it serves as a bee-friendly plant, attracting pollinators and contributing to the ecosystem's health.
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 marigold can help repel nematodes, while basil can deter aphids. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully red for optimal taste and nutritional content. Post-harvest, acerola fruits should be consumed quickl
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
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: sr
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 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 should be harvested when fully ripe for maximum sweetness and nutritional value. Acerola can also be dried and powdered for use as a supplement.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Acerola is used in traditional medicine primarily for its high vitamin C content, 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 sensitive to high vitamin C intake, as excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
health concerns: Excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to high vitamin C content.
other uses: Acerola can be used as a living hedge or windbreak in agroecological systems, providing shelter and habitat for beneficial insects and birds. Its dense foliage makes it an effective barrier against wind and erosion.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Malpighia emarginata
common names: Barbadoska treลกnja; Zapadnoindijska treลกnja;
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 marigold can help repel nematodes, while basil can deter aphids. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully red for optimal taste and nutritional content. Post-harvest, acerola fruits should be consumed quickl
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 marigold nearby can help naturally repel pests.
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