Tropical Plant "West Indian cherry"
Malpighia emarginata

Characteristics - The West Indian cherry is an exotic, widely cultivated throught out Brazil’s tropical regions; it is native to various countries of the Antilles, Central America and northern South America. Its botanical name has been controversial, but it has now been defined; M. glabra and M. punicifolia, often used, refer to one species, different from this, the Acerola. It is small evergreen tree, 2-4 m tall. Leaves glabrous, 2-7 cm long. Flowers are white or pink, form in the spring and are arranged in axillary cymes. Fruits are drupes that ripen in the summer, with a succulent endocarp, an acidic flavor and rich in Vitamin C.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in natura, mainly in the form of juice.

Propagation - By seeds.