Malpighia emarginata

{{Short description|Species of plant}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}} {{Speciesbox |image =Malpighia glabra blossom and unripe fruits.jpg |image_caption =Close-up of the blossom and unripe fruit | status = DD | status_system = IUCN3.1 | genus = Malpighia | species = emarginata | authority = DC. | synonyms = * ''Malpighia berteroana'' Spreng. * ''Malpighia lanceolata'' Griseb. * ''Malpighia punicifolia'' var. ''lancifolia'' Nied. * ''Malpighia punicifolia'' var. ''obovata'' Nied. * ''Malpighia punicifolia'' var. ''vulgaris'' Nied. * ''Malpighia retusa'' Benth. * ''Malpighia umbellata'' ROSE * ''Malpighia urens'' var. ''lanceolata'' (Griseb.) Griseb. | synonyms_ref = <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/kew-2504411|title=Malpighia emarginata DC. — The Plant List|website=www.theplantlist.org}}</ref> }}

'''''Malpighia emarginata''''' is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the family Malpighiaceae native to the Neotropics.<ref name="morton">{{Cite book |last=Morton |first=Julia F. |title=Barbados cherry, In: Fruits of warm climates |date=1987 |publisher=NewCROP, New Crop Resource Online Program, Center for New Crops & Plant Products, Purdue University|isbn=978-0-9610184-1-2 |location=Miami, Fla.|url= https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/barbados_cherry.html|pages=204–7}}</ref> The fruit is notable for its exceptional richness in vitamin C and versatility in various food preparations.

== Names == Common names include '''acerola''' (from {{langx|ar|الزُّعرُورَة|az-zuʿrūra}} "azarole" for a similar looking old-world fruit<ref name=morton /><ref>{{cite book|page=27|title=Novo Dicionário da Língua Portuguesa|edition=Second|last=Ferreira|first= A. B. H.|location=Rio de Janeiro|publisher=Nova Fronteira |year=1986}}</ref>), Puerto Rican cherry, '''Guarani cherry''', '''Barbados cherry''', '''West Indian cherry''',<ref name="Johnson">{{cite book |doi=10.1159/000069930 |chapter=Acerola ''(Malpighia glabra'' L., ''M. Punicifolia'' L., ''M. Emarginata'' D.C.): Agriculture, Production and Nutrition |title=Plants in Human Health and Nutrition Policy |series=World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics |date=2003 |last1=Johnson |first1=P.D. |volume=91 |pages=67–75 |pmid=12747089 |isbn=978-3-8055-7554-6 |chapter-url={{GBurl|id=ZVSh_u7KxQIC|p=67}} }}</ref> '''wild crepe myrtle''',<ref name="PLANTS">{{cite web |url=https://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MAGL6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060517003123/http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MAGL6 |url-status=live |archive-date=May 17, 2006 |title=''Malpighia glabra'' L. wild crapemyrtle |work=PLANTS Database |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=2009-10-17}}</ref> '''cereza''', and '''cerise'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flora of the West Indies / Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution |url=https://naturalhistory2.si.edu/botany/WestIndies/results.cfm |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=naturalhistory2.si.edu}}</ref>

==Distribution== ''Malpighia emarginata'' is originally native to the Lesser Antilles islands of the southern Caribbean Sea, extending into South America as far south as Brazil.<ref name=morton /><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Aguilera-Arango |first1=Germán Andrés |last2=Aparicio |first2=Jorge Mario Del Toro |last3=Rodriguez |first3=Javier Orlando Orduz |title=Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.): Fruta promisoria con posibilidades de cultivo en Colombia. Una revisión |trans-title=Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC): Promising fruit with cultivation possibilities in Colombia. A review |journal=Avances en Investigación Agropecuaria |date=2020 |volume=24 |issue=2 |pages=7–22 |id={{Gale|A633063617}} |url=https://revistasacademicas.ucol.mx/index.php/agropecuaria/article/view/193 |language=es}}</ref> It has been introduced and even naturalized elsewhere in the neotropics, such as in Peru, Venezuela, and Ecuador, as well as the southernmost parts of the contiguous United States (southern Florida<ref name="GRINEmarginata">{{GRIN|accessdate=2010-02-02}}</ref> and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas).<ref name="GRINEmarginata" /><ref name="GRINGlabra">{{GRIN|''Malpighia glabra''|23206|accessdate=2009-12-16}}</ref><ref name="A&M">{{cite web |title=Barbados Cherry, Mexican Myrtle, Manzanita, Cerez, Huacacote, Wild Crepe Myrtle, Manyonita, Cerezo de Jamaica, Cerezo de Castillo, Pallo de Gallina, Escobillo, Chia, Arrayncito, Xocat, Xocatatl ''Malpighia glabra'' |url=http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/malpighiaglabra.htm |access-date=2009-12-15 |work=Benny Simpson's Texas Native Shrubs |publisher=Texas A&M University}}</ref> In Florida, it can be grown in protected locations as far north as Cape Canaveral.<ref>{{cite book |last=Boning |first=Charles |title=Florida's Best Fruiting Plants: Native and Exotic Trees, Shrubs, and Vines |publisher=Pineapple Press, Inc. |year=2006 |location=Sarasota, Florida |page=41}}</ref> It is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics throughout the world from southern Europe to parts of Africa, India, and Australia.<ref name="Hanelt">{{cite book |last=Hanelt |first=Peter |url={{GBurl|id=10IMFSavIMsC|p=1127}} |title=Mansfeld's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops (Except Ornamentals) |publisher=Springer |year=2001 |isbn=978-3-540-41017-1 |pages=1127–1128}}</ref>

== Production ==

=== Brazil === Brazil is the largest producer of acerola worldwide.<ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1533/9780857092762.27 |chapter=Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) |title=Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits |date=2011 |last1=Mohammed |first1=M. |pages=27–48e |isbn=978-1-84569-734-1 }}</ref> On {{cvt|11000|ha|acre}}, Brazil produces {{cvt|32990|tonne}} of acerola per year. In order to preserve the genetic variability of acerola, the federal rural University of Pernambuco in Brazil established an "Acerola Active Germplasm Bank" in June 1998.<ref>{{cite book|editor-last1=Yahia|editor-first1=Elhadi|title=Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits |date=2011 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=978-1-84569-733-4}}{{page needed|date=February 2024}}</ref>

== Growth conditions == Acerola can be propagated by seed, cutting, or other methods. It prefers dry, well-drained, sandy soil and full sun, and cannot endure temperatures lower than {{cvt|30|F|C|order=flip}}. Because of its shallow roots, it has very low tolerance to winds. Furthermore, a sufficient water supply is advantageous for good growth and maximum yields of large fruits. This is especially important during fruiting and flowering.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Phillips |first=R. L. |date=1994 |title=Barbados Cherry |url=http://ufdc.ufl.edu/IR00002897/00001 |journal=University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, EDIS}}</ref> The optimal growth conditions are reached at a mean temperature of {{cvt|26|C|F}} and {{cvt|1200|-|1600|mm|in}} of rainfall annually.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-803138-4.00003-4 |chapter=Acerola— Malpighia emarginata |title=Exotic Fruits |date=2018|display-authors=3 |last1=Moura |first1=Carlos F.H. |last2=Oliveira |first2=Luciana de S. |last3=De Souza |first3=Kellina O. |last4=Da Franca |first4=Lorena G. |last5=Ribeiro |first5=Laiza B. |last6=De Souza |first6=Pahlevi A. |last7=De Miranda |first7=Maria R.A. |pages=7–14 |isbn=978-0-12-803138-4 }}</ref>

==Description==

Acerola is an evergreen shrub or small tree with spreading branches on a short trunk. It is usually {{convert|2|–|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, but sometimes reaches {{convert|6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in height.<ref name="Agroforest">{{cite web|last1=Orwa|first1=C.|last2=Mutua|first2=A.|last3=Kindt|first3=R.|last4=Jamnadass|first4=R.|last5=Simons|first5=A.|url=http://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=18079 |title=''Malpighia glabra'' L. Malpighiaceae|work=Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0.|publisher=World Agroforestry Centre|location=Kenya|year=2009 |access-date=2022-12-01 }}</ref> The chromosome number is 2''n'' = 40.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tropicos |url=https://www.tropicos.org/Project/IPCN |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.tropicos.org}}</ref>

=== Bark === The bark of young branches is green and sparsely covered with curly-haired trichomes, which fall off with age. The greyish to brownish bark is relatively smooth and covered with conspicuous cork pores when young. With age, it is thick and cracked.

===Leaves=== The leaves are simple, ovate to elliptic-lanceolate in outline, {{convert|2|-|8|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1|-|4|cm|in|abbr=on}} wide, with an entire or undulating margin. They are attached oppositely on the stem on short petioles. These leaves and petioles can irritate skin due to minute stinging hairs.<ref name=morton />

===Flowers=== thumb|Flower The tree flowers from April to November. Flowers are bisexual and {{convert|1|-|2|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter. They have five<ref name="PLANTS" /> pale to deep pink or red<ref>{{cite book |url={{GBurl|id=HORIzBx17DYC}} |title=Edible: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Food Plants |author=National Geographic |publisher=National Geographic Books |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-4262-0372-5 |page=106}}</ref> fringed petals, 10 stamens, and six to 10 glands on the calyx. The three to five flowers per inflorescence are sessile or short-peduncled axillary cymes.<ref name="Agroforest" />

===Fruits and seeds=== thumb|right|''Malpighia emarginata'' fruit

Three years after planting, trees start producing fruits. 3–4 weeks after flowering,<ref name="Johnson" /> a number of bright red drupes {{convert|1|–|3|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter with a mass of {{convert|3|–|5|g|oz|abbr=on}} mature. The shell of the fruit is smooth and very thin. Its shelf life of 2–3 days at ambient temperature makes it highly perishable. Drupes are in pairs or groups of three, and each contains three triangular seeds. The drupes are juicy and high in vitamin C ({{convert|3|-|46|mg/g|round=0.5|abbr=in|disp=or}})<ref name="Vendramini">{{cite journal |last1=Vendramini |first1=Ana L. |last2=Trugo |first2=Luiz C. |title=Chemical composition of acerola fruit (''Malpighia punicifolia'' L.) at three stages of maturity |journal=Food Chemistry |date=November 2000 |volume=71 |issue=2 |pages=195–198 |doi=10.1016/s0308-8146(00)00152-7}}</ref> and other nutrients. They are divided into three obscure lobes and are usually acidic to subacidic, giving them a sour taste,<ref name="PLANTS" /> but may be sweet if grown well.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Nugent |first1=Jeff |url={{GBurl|id=40n-Z_8ihZMC}} |title=Permaculture Plants: A Selection |last2=Boniface |first2=Julia |date=2004 |publisher=Permanent Publications |isbn=1-85623-029-5 |language=en}}</ref>

== Cultivation methods == === Yield and harvest === Acerola flowers and fruits already in the first year after planting but increases its production in the following years, reaching up to {{cvt|47|kg|lb|0}} per plant in the sixth year.<ref name=":3" /> The fruiting season usually extends from April to November. The fruits should be picked frequently, as they are not stored on the tree. Ripe fruit should be handled carefully to avoid bruising and should be utilized as soon as possible or frozen for later use. Semi-ripe fruit will usually keep for several days in the refrigerator.<ref name=":2" /> Pollination by wild insects increases the fruit yield.<ref>{{cite journal|display-authors=3 |last1=Garibaldi |first1=Lucas A. |last2=Steffan-Dewenter |first2=Ingolf |last3=Winfree |first3=Rachael |last4=Aizen |first4=Marcelo A. |last5=Bommarco |first5=Riccardo |last6=Cunningham |first6=Saul A. |last7=Kremen |first7=Claire |last8=Carvalheiro |first8=Luísa G. |last9=Harder |first9=Lawrence D. |last10=Afik |first10=Ohad |last11=Bartomeus |first11=Ignasi |last12=Benjamin |first12=Faye |last13=Boreux |first13=Virginie |last14=Cariveau |first14=Daniel |last15=Chacoff |first15=Natacha P. |last16=Dudenhöffer |first16=Jan H. |last17=Freitas |first17=Breno M. |last18=Ghazoul |first18=Jaboury |last19=Greenleaf |first19=Sarah |last20=Hipólito |first20=Juliana |last21=Holzschuh |first21=Andrea |last22=Howlett |first22=Brad |last23=Isaacs |first23=Rufus |last24=Javorek |first24=Steven K. |last25=Kennedy |first25=Christina M. |last26=Krewenka |first26=Kristin M. |last27=Krishnan |first27=Smitha |last28=Mandelik |first28=Yael |last29=Mayfield |first29=Margaret M. |last30=Motzke |first30=Iris |last31=Munyuli |first31=Theodore |last32=Nault |first32=Brian A. |last33=Otieno |first33=Mark |last34=Petersen |first34=Jessica |last35=Pisanty |first35=Gideon |last36=Potts |first36=Simon G. |last37=Rader |first37=Romina |last38=Ricketts |first38=Taylor H. |last39=Rundlöf |first39=Maj |last40=Seymour |first40=Colleen L. |last41=Schüepp |first41=Christof |last42=Szentgyörgyi |first42=Hajnalka |last43=Taki |first43=Hisatomo |last44=Tscharntke |first44=Teja |last45=Vergara |first45=Carlos H. |last46=Viana |first46=Blandina F. |last47=Wanger |first47=Thomas C. |last48=Westphal |first48=Catrin |last49=Williams |first49=Neal |last50=Klein |first50=Alexandra M. |title=Wild Pollinators Enhance Fruit Set of Crops Regardless of Honey Bee Abundance |journal=Science |date=29 March 2013 |volume=339 |issue=6127 |pages=1608–1611 |doi=10.1126/science.1230200 |pmid=23449997 |bibcode=2013Sci...339.1608G |s2cid=88564525 |doi-access=free |hdl=11336/6844 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

=== Sowing === Plants can be set at any time of the year, but the best time is spring, just before the rainy season. Choose a location with good water drainage and in a sheltered spot.<ref name=":2" />

== Pests and diseases == ''Malpighia emarginata'' is a host plant for the caterpillars of the white-patched skipper (''Chiomara asychis''),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-06-20 |title=Species Detail {{!}} Butterflies and Moths of North America |url=http://butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1987 |access-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620183655/http://butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1987 |archive-date=2010-06-20 }}</ref> Florida duskywing (''Ephyriades brunneus''),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-06-20 |title=Species Detail {{!}} Butterflies and Moths of North America |url=http://butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1990 |access-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620165640/http://butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1990 |archive-date=2010-06-20 }}</ref> and brown-banded skipper (''Timochares ruptifasciatus'').<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-06-20 |title=Species Detail {{!}} Butterflies and Moths of North America |url=http://butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1986 |access-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620211655/http://butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1986 |archive-date=2010-06-20 }}</ref> Larvae of the acerola weevil (''Anthonomus macromalus'') feed on the fruits, while adults consume young leaves.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Peña |first1=Jorge E. |last2=Sharp |first2=Jennifer L. |last3=Wysoki |first3=M. |title=Tropical Fruit Pests and Pollinators: Biology, Economic Importance, Natural Enemies, and Control |date=2002 |publisher=CABI |isbn=978-0-85199-976-0 }}{{page needed|date=February 2024}}</ref>

== Nutritional value == {{nutritional value | name=Acerola, (West Indian cherry), raw | kJ=134 | water=91 g | protein=0.4 g | fat=0.3 g | carbs=7.69 g | fiber=1.1 g | calcium_mg=12 | iron_mg=0.2 | magnesium_mg=18 | phosphorus_mg=11 | potassium_mg=146 | sodium_mg=7 | zinc_mg=0.1 | manganese_mg=0.6 | vitC_mg=1677.6 | thiamin_mg=0.02 | riboflavin_mg=0.06 | niacin_mg=0.4 | pantothenic_mg=0.309 | vitB6_mg=0.009 | folate_ug=14 | vitA_ug=38 | source_usda = 1 | note=[https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171686/nutrients Link to USDA Database entry] }}

Acerola fruit is 91% water, and 8% carbohydrates, and contains negligible protein and fat (table). In a reference amount of {{cvt|100|g}}, acerola supplies 32 calories, and is a rich source particularly of vitamin C at some 20 times the Daily Value (DV), with manganese at 26% DV, and other micronutrients at uniformly low levels (table).

Whereas the content of sugar, soluble solids and titratable acids increases with the ripening process of the fruit, the vitamin C content decreases. Therefore, the immature green fruit is harvested for industrial use of the vitamin C.<ref name=":3" />

==Uses== ===Culinary=== Acerola cherry may be eaten raw or used as a juice or mixed with other, usually sweeter fruit juices.<ref name=morton /> The fruits are used in jams, concentrates, stews, and liqueurs, possibly needing sugar to improve flavor.<ref name=morton /> Cooked fruits are strained to remove the seeds, and the resulting sauce has uses on cake, pudding or ice cream.<ref name=morton />

Acerola cherry powder is also used in some commercially produced breads as a bread improver.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Franco |first1=Maria |last2=Belorio |first2=Mayara |last3=Gómez |first3=Manuel |title=Assessing Acerola Powder as Substitute for Ascorbic Acid as a Bread Improver |journal=Foods |date=8 May 2022 |volume=11 |issue=9 |pages=1366 |doi=10.3390/foods11091366 |doi-access=free |pmid=35564089 |pmc=9101182 }}</ref> Because acerola also contains pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids, it could also be used as a food colorant.<ref name=morton />

===Others=== Acerola is a bonsai subject because of its small leaf and fruit, and fine ramification. It is also grown as an ornamental<ref name="Gilman">{{cite web|url=http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/MALGLAA.PDF |first=Edward F. |last=Gillman |title=Malpighia glabra |work=Cooperative Extension Services Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences |publisher=University of Florida |date=October 1999 |access-date=2009-12-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424014336/http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/MALGLAA.PDF |archive-date=April 24, 2009 }}</ref> and for hedges.<ref name="Hanelt" />

==References== {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} {{Wikispecies}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090722215701/http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG041 University of Florida: Acerola]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q15362022}}

emarginata Category:Flora of Central America Category:Flora of Colombia Category:Flora of Ecuador Category:Flora of French Guiana Category:Flora of Florida Category:Flora of Guerrero Category:Flora of Hidalgo (state) Category:Flora of Nuevo León Category:Flora of Oaxaca Category:Flora of Peru Category:Flora of San Luis Potosí Category:Flora of Suriname Category:Flora of Tamaulipas Category:Flora of Venezuela Category:Flora of Veracruz Category:Flora of the Caribbean Category:Flora of the Rio Grande valleys Category:Flora of the Yucatán Peninsula Category:Flora without expected TNC conservation status Category:Medicinal plants Category:Plants described in 1824 Category:Trees of Îles des Saintes Category:Tropical fruit