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MALPIGHIA PUNICIFOLIA L. - Barbados
Cherry |
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CULTURE |
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Location: Location: The plant prefers
full sun for fruit development, giving rise to the problem of
winter protection in harsher climates. Shaded trees fruit, but
at reduced fruit densities, and the plants themselves become somewhat
spindly. Due to its shallow and smaller root system, acerola can
be interplanted with other crops more closely than many trees.
Soil: Acerolas grows in marl, limestone, clay and other heavy
soils as long as it drains well; waterlogging of roots will cause
plant death. Soil pH should be 6.5-7.5 as acid soils do not promote
vigorous growth. Liming of trees and working into the soil is
a common practice and necessary for high productivity.
Irrigation: The acerola does best
with 1000-2000 mm of water. However, as mentioned, acerola is
drought-tolerant. Irrigation can be used to cause flowering and
can regulate flower cycles. Under good constant irrigation, acerola
will flower all year, with between 1 and 3 flowering peaks. Acerola
does well with both overhead and drip irrigation.
Fertilization: Acerolas requires
a good, balanced fertilization schedule, and regular (once a year)
liming of soil. Foliar sprays are very effective, and are used
commercially. Mineral nutrition is very important, with good levels
of boron and iron required.
Pruning: The plant will tolerate
heavy pruning, but requires time for recovery. In more tropical
areas, plants do not seem overly affected by pruning. Plants are
pruned commercially with citrus pruners. Can be kept as a small
bush (e.g. 5 ft) and will produce well.
Frost Protection: As with most frost-sensitive
plants, the acerola will need some protection when grown in areas
were frost can occur. Growing with overhead protection or growing
next to a wall or building may be sufficient, but the plant may
also be covered with heavy cloth or plastic sheeting draped over
a frame for added protection. Container grown plants can be moved
too a frost secure area.
Propagation: Acerolas can be propagated
by seed, cutting, grafting, and other standard methods. The plant
does not appear stringent in its requirements. Seed viability
can be very low; in some groves, seedlings are never observed.
Cuttings are considered the simplest method of propagation and,
with the use standard IBA hormone, give near 100% success rates.
Grafting onto rootstocks has not been systematically studied,
although grafts onto Byrsonima crassifolia rootstock have been
successful.
Pests and diseases: The Acerola
is susceptible to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) which
causes serious problems with young trees and slower losses of
productivity in older trees. It is also attacked by a variety
of common insects, such as aphids, whitefly and scale. In other
areas of the world (Mexico, Caribbean) weevils (Anthonomus spp.)
are serious pests, and can limit fruit production. In tropical
areas, Cercospora fungi can be a major cause disease.
Harvest: The fruit deteriorates rapidly
once removed from tree; sensory differences can be noted within
4 hours. The fruit undergoes rapid fermentation, and is typically
unusable by 3-5 days. Unrefrigerated fruit develops mold quickly
The best uses are direct eating, jams and jellies, and syrups.
Juices, which are popular in Brazil, do not hold their sensory
characteristics for extended periods. The fruit has also been
used for baby food, as a supplement source for Vitamin C, as an
ice cream and pop-sickle ingredient, and in many home recipes.
Frozen fruit falls apart when thawed.
In the tropics, there are typically 3 harvest periods per year.
In more temperate areas, one and possibly 2 harvests occur. With
regular irrigation, some fruit production may occur through much
of the year. Eight year old trees can yield from 30 to 60 pounds
of fruit. From seed, plant can fruit in the 2nd or 3rd year; cuttings
may fruit in the first year. Productivity increases over a 15
to 20 year period, and then levels or declines. Forty year old
productive trees are known in southern Florida.
Commercial Potential: Plantings
of acerola are increasing worldwide, with Brazil leading the way.
The increased plantings are a direct result of increased use of
acerola for a natural source of Vitamin C for nutritional supplements.
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CULTIVARS |
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B-17
A common variety. High in vitamin C and subacid to acid.
Dwarf
A low-growing cultivar, to about 2 ft. tall. Grows well in a hanging
basket. Can take colder weather than others, to 22 degrees
F.
Florida Sweet
A common California variety. Fruit large, 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
Skin thick. Flesh very juicy, flavor applelike, semisweet. Vitamin
C content about 1,500 to 2,000 mg. per 100 g. Tree erect, with
open-type growth and outstanding yields. Originated in Homestead,
FL by the Florida Sub-Tropical Engineering Station.
Manoa Sweet
Orange-red fruit of the sweet type. Tree upright, spreading, very
productive. Originated in Honolulu, HA by Henry Y. Nakasone, University
of Hawaii. Introduced in 1963.
Other named varieties include: Beaumont, Haley, Hawaiian Queen,
Maunawili, Red Jumbo, Rehnborg and Tropical Ruby. Varieties other
than B-17 and Florida Sweet are not often encountered in Southern
California, although several are now available from Pacific Tree
Farms, Chula Vista, CA.
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