Malpighia glabra Barbados Cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle

FP390/FPS-390 by Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail HansenNovember 7, 2023This document provides an overview of the Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra), detailing its characteristics, growth requirements, and uses. The tree, known for its small pink flowers and bright red, vitamin C-rich fruits, grows up to 12 feet tall and wide. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9B through 11 and can be planted year-round. The Barbados cherry is suitable for various landscaping purposes, including as a specimen plant, hedge, or screen. It prefers fertile, nematode-free soil and is not salt-tolerant. Propagation is typically done through layering or cuttings, and while it has high drought tolerance, it can be affected by pests such as nematodes, whiteflies, scale, and plant bugs. Original publication date October 1999.