Overview
Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC., also known as the Barbados cherry, is a small tree or shrub that produces tart fruit with high levels of vitamin C. It is native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America, but has been naturalized in many other tropical regions. The plant is commonly cultivated for its fruit and ornamental value.
Appearance
The Barbados cherry typically grows up to 20 feet tall, with a spreading canopy. The leaves are oval or lance-shaped, and glossy green. The plant produces small, pink or white flowers with five petals, which are followed by cherry-shaped fruit. The fruit is about the size of a cherry, with a thin, shiny skin and contains three small seeds.
Common Names
The Barbados cherry is also known by other common names, such as Acerola, West Indian cherry, Wild crepe myrtle, and Manzanita.
Uses
The fruit of the Barbados cherry is highly valued for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. It is used in various forms, such as juices, jams, and supplements. In traditional medicine, the fruit has been used as a remedy for cough, colds, fever, and diarrhea. The leaves and bark of the plant are also used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental tree or shrub, due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Growth conditions of Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC.
Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC., also known as acerola or West Indian cherry, is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub belonging to the Malpighiaceae family. Here are the typical growth conditions required for Malpighia emarginata to thrive.
Light conditions
Acerola grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom and produce fruits. However, excessive exposure to sunlight could cause sunburn or dehydration.
Temperature requirements
Acerola thrives best in warm temperatures ranging from 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). It is a tropical plant and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Temperatures below 35°F (2°C) could cause damage or even kill the plant. The ideal temperature for growing acerola is between 75 and 85°F (24 and 29°C).
Soil requirements
Acerola requires well-draining and sandy soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. It prefers soils rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in different types of soil, including loam, sandy loam or clayey soil, as long as the drainage is adequate. The addition of organic fertilizers can improve soil fertility, which is vital for fruit production.
Cultivation of Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC.
Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC. is typically propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Seeds should be soaked for several hours before being planted in moist, well-draining soil. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of healthy branches and planted in rooting hormone, then placed in a well-draining potting mix.
This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and requires warm temperatures between 70-90°F. It is best grown in a fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-6.5. When planting, ensure the soil is loosened to a depth of at least 12 inches and mixed with organic matter to help improve soil quality and drainage.
Watering Needs
Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water should be applied deeply but infrequently to promote healthy root growth. Overwatering can cause root rot and weaken the plant. It is recommended to water this plant every week during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season.
When watering, it is recommended to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal disease or sunscald.
Fertilization
This plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
It is important to not over-fertilize Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC. as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning should only be done when necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. Remove dead or diseased branches as soon as they are noticed and remove any crossing branches to promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is most effective during the dormant season.
When pruning, use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. Make clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud to encourage healthy regrowth.
Propagation of Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC.
Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC., commonly known as acerola cherry or West Indian cherry, can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual propagation
The plant can be propagated by seeds. However, the viability of seeds is limited, and they quickly lose their viability. Fresh seeds should be collected from the fruit, cleaned, and sown in a well-draining medium. The medium should be kept moist, and the seeds should be given the right amount of warmth and light for proper germination.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation is a more reliable method to propagate Malpighia emarginata. The following techniques are commonly used:
Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and softwood cuttings can be taken from the plant. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in winter, semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken in late summer, and softwood cuttings should be taken in early summer. The cuttings should be 10-15 centimeters long, with at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in the medium. The cuttings should be misted regularly, and the medium should be kept moist until they root.
Air layering
Another method of asexual propagation is air layering. Air layering involves wounding a branch, applying rooting hormone to the wound, and wrapping the wound with moist sphagnum moss and plastic. Roots will grow from the wound site and into the moss. Once roots are formed, the branch can be removed from the parent plant and potted into a well-draining medium.
Grafting
Grafting onto a rootstock is another method of asexual propagation. A young seedling can be used as a rootstock, and a scion of Malpighia emarginata can be grafted onto it. The graft union should be covered to prevent moisture loss and infection. The plant should be grown until the graft has taken before transplanting into a larger pot or the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC.
Malpighia emarginata, also known as acerola or Barbados cherry, is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect plant growth and fruit quality. Effective disease and pest management strategies are essential to ensure healthy plant growth and optimal fruit yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Malpighia emarginata is anthracnose. This fungal disease causes dark lesions to develop on leaves and fruits, which can lead to premature defoliation and reduced fruit quality. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to prune infected leaves and remove any fallen debris to eliminate potential sources of infection. Fungicides can also be applied according to label instructions to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Malpighia emarginata is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to develop on the leaves, which can reduce photosynthesis and stunt plant growth. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the spread of powdery mildew when necessary.
Common Pests
Malpighia emarginata can also be affected by pests, such as spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites can cause yellow spots on leaves and can be managed by spraying the plant with water to reduce mite populations, as well as applying insecticidal soap or neem oil to control further infestations. Scale insects can feed on plant sap and cause premature leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, they can be removed with a soft brush or sponge, or insecticides can be applied according to label instructions.
In addition to these common diseases and pests, it is important to monitor Malpighia emarginata regularly for signs of other potential issues, such as bacterial or viral infections, root rot, or nutrient deficiencies. Maintaining good cultural practices, such as avoiding overcrowding and providing adequate irrigation and fertilization, can help prevent these issues from developing.
