Mainland cherries do not grow well here, but the acerola cherry is a small tropical tree that grows very well in Hawaii. The cherry it produces is rather tart but contains loads of vitamin C. The flowers and fruit, as
Mainland cherries do not grow well here, but the acerola cherry is a small tropical tree that grows very well in Hawaii. The cherry it produces is rather tart but contains loads of vitamin C. The flowers and fruit, as well as the tree’s small size, make it an excellent choice as a specimen in a small space.
Known botanically as Malpighia emarginata, acerola cherries are a close relative of the ornamental shrub with yellow flowers, galphimia. Though acerola flowers are similar in shape, their color is a lovely shade of pink.
Another name for the plant, Barbados cherry, hints that it is native to Central America and the Caribbean. Hawaiian sugar planters brought acerola to Hawaii around 1946 as a commercial crop to produce ascorbic acid. When cheaper ways to synthesize vitamin C became available, the industry here declined. Today, the trees are mostly grown as ornamentals with vitamin C benefits.
Air layering is the best propagation method for acerola trees. Cuttings can take a long time to root and seeds are not always viable. Several sweeter cultivars have been developed and are available at local nurseries.
The tree is well-suited to the hot, dry climate at lower elevations in West Hawaii. Though drought and wind tolerant, acerola is not salt tolerant. It does best in full sun with regular watering in soil that drains well. The tree can thrive and be very attractive if pruned for shape occasionally and fertilized quarterly with a high phosphorus fertilizer to encourage flowering and fruiting.
When well-placed and well-maintained, acerola trees may flower and fruit up to three times annually, making them an attractive specimen nearly year-round either in the ground, in a pot or as a bonsai. The fruit is bright red when ripe and can be up to 1 inch across. It is attractive to birds but should be harvested early to avoid having to clean up dropped fruit. The fruit can be eaten raw or used for juices, jellies and desserts. Three ripe acerola cherries can provide all of your daily vitamin C requirement. Unripe fruit has an even greater vitamin concentration.
Call around to local nurseries to find an acerola tree for your edible garden.
Diana Duff is a local organic gardener as well as a farm and garden educator and consultant.
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