Barbados Cherry
Barbados Cherry
–
Malpighia glabra
Malpighia glabra
Acerola, Manzanita, Wild Crape Myrtle
South Texas. Central America; West Indies.
3
–
4 feet
3
–
5 feet
Texas
Full Sun
Part Sun/Shade
Low
Flowering
Attracts Pollinators
Birds
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About This Plant
Sun/shade; a nearly evergreen shrub or small tree (there are many different growth habits.) In subfreezing winter temperatures, it may drop leaves. Usually seen in south-central Texas: a soft, rounded dwarf variety that can be sheared or left as a free-form specimen.
Pink flowers earn it the name ‘wild crape myrtle’ but it is best known for its tiny, tart acerola fruits that are high in vitamin C. The fruit is appealing to many types of wildlife.
Barbados cherry is better adapted to the deep clays and loams of central, southern and eastern Bexar County than to Hill Country rock.
Maintenance
Light shaping; may be damaged in extreme freezes.
Features
Plant Type:
Small Shrub
Size:
3-4' H, 3-5' W
Sunlight Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Types:
Clay, Sandy, Well drained
Wildlife:
Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Pollinators
Flower Color:
Pink
Bloom Time:
March, April, May, June
Freeze Hardy:
Yes
Invasive:
No
Caution:
None
Coupon Eligible:
This plant goes well with
Ibervillea lindheimeri
Nepeta cataria
Setcreasea pallida
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