Malpighia Species, Acerola, Barbados Cherry, Manzanita, Wild Crapemyrtle (Malpighia glabra)

by IslandJim Aug 2, 2003 3:25 PM

Acerola, Barbados Cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle (Malpighia glabra) blooms are small and very delicate looking, but make an impact because they are in groups and quite numerous.

A fully ripe fruit in a 14-year old tree from Merritt Island, Florida (32953).

$Flower of the Barbados cherry. It\\\$

Flower of the Barbados cherry. It\\\'s about a half inch across.

A semi-ripe fruit and flowers in a 14-year old tree from Merritt Island, Florida (32953).

A cluster of 3 fruits in a 14-year old tree from Merritt Island, Florida (32953).

Fruits in varying stages of ripeness in a 14-year old tree from Merritt Island, Florida (32953).

One of those luscious ripe cherries.

There is also a dwarf version of this plant. This picture was taken at Marie Selby Botanical Garden, Sarasota, Florida in July. It shows part of a mass planting of the dwarf cultivar. The fruits are about the size of ripe currents, maybe 1/4-inch in diameter

photo of plant in southern California where it is also called Manoa Sweet

Acerola, Barbados Cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle (Malpighia glabra) flowerbuds and blooms. Parts of the pink blooms fade to white providing a 2-tone effect.