Barbados Cherry
Malpighia emarginata
- Native to:
- Belize, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua
Daderot
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malpighiaceae
- Genus:
- Malpighia
- Species:
- Malpighia emarginata
- USDA Symbol:
- MAEM
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cassius Blue (Leptotes cassius), Chiomara asychis, Florida duskywing (Ephyriades brunneus), Timochares ruptifasciatus
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Centris flavofasciata Moths:Lophocampa annulosa
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical and subtropical regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Fresh seeds germinate best; viability decreases rapidly after harvest.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI