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Malpighia glabra L.
| Family Name: | Malpighiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Malpighia biflora, Malpighia fallax |
| Common Name: | Barbados Cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle, Acerola, Manzanita |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | USA |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Temperate |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small tree up to 6 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, green leaves are elliptic with a wavy leaf margin. They form a dense, rounded canopy. |
| Flowers | Small, pink flowers are composed of 5 unequal-sized petals with frilly edges. Delicate petals are slightly translucent and have a wrinkled surface. |
| Fruit | Bright red, cherry-like fruits (2.5 cm wide) have a very sour taste even at maturity. |
| Associated Fauna | Flowers are pollinated by bees. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): Fruits are rich in Vitamin C and have a tart flavour. The fruits are consumed raw or stewed and also used to make juice. They are known as acerola cherries. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Hedge / Screening |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Grafting, Air-Layering |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Emarginate |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Wrinkled |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30998 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5385 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
