Malpighia emarginata

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Malpighia emarginata
Malpighia glabra blossom and unripe fruits.jpg
Close-up of the blossom and unripe fruit
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Malpighiaceae
Genus: Malpighia
Species:
M. emarginata
Binomial name
Malpighia emarginata
DC.
Synonyms [1]
  • Malpighia berteroana Spreng.
  • Malpighia lanceolata Griseb.
  • Malpighia punicifolia var. lancifolia Nied.
  • Malpighia punicifolia var. obovata Nied.
  • Malpighia punicifolia var. vulgaris Nied.
  • Malpighia retusa Benth.
  • Malpighia umbellata ROSE
  • Malpighia urens var. lanceolata (Griseb.) Griseb.

Malpighia emarginata is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the family Malpighiaceae native to the Neotropics. [2] The fruit is notable for its exceptional richness in vitamin C and versatility in various food preparations.

Contents

Names

Common names include acerola (from Arabic : الزُّعرُورَة, romanized: az-zuʿrūra "azarole" for a similar looking old-world fruit [2] [3] ), Guarani cherry, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, [4] wild crepe myrtle, [5] cereza, and cerise. [6]

Distribution

Malpighia emarginata is originally native to the Lesser Antilles islands of the southern Caribbean Sea, extending into South America as far south as Brazil. [2] [7] It has been introduced and even naturalized elsewhere in the neotropics, such as in Peru, Venezuela, and Ecuador, as well as the southernmost parts of the contiguous United States (southern Florida [8] and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas). [8] [9] [10] In Florida, it can be grown in protected locations as far north as Cape Canaveral. [11] It is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics throughout the world from southern Europe to parts of Africa, India, and Australia. [12]

Production

Brazil

Brazil is the largest producer of acerola worldwide. [13] On 11,000 ha (27,000 acres), Brazil produces 32,990 t (36,370 tons) of acerola per year. In order to preserve the genetic variability of acerola, the federal rural University of Pernambuco in Brazil established an "Acerola Active Germplasm Bank" in June 1998. [14]

Growth conditions

Acerola can be propagated by seed, cutting, or other methods. It prefers dry, well-drained, sandy soil and full sun, and cannot endure temperatures lower than −1 °C (30 °F). Because of its shallow roots, it has very low tolerance to winds. Furthermore, a sufficient water supply is advantageous for good growth and maximum yields of large fruits. This is especially important during fruiting and flowering. [15] The optimal growth conditions are reached at a mean temperature of 26 °C (79 °F) and 1,200–1,600 mm (47–63 in) of rainfall annually. [16]

Description

Acerola is an evergreen shrub or small tree with spreading branches on a short trunk. It is usually 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) tall, but sometimes reaches 6 m (20 ft) in height. [17] The chromosome number is 2n = 40. [18]

Bark

The bark of young branches is green and sparsely covered with curly-haired trichomes, which fall off with age. The greyish to brownish bark is relatively smooth and covered with conspicuous cork pores when young. With age, it is thick and cracked.

Leaves

The leaves are simple, ovate to elliptic-lanceolate in outline, 2–8 cm (0.79–3.15 in) long, 1–4 cm (0.39–1.57 in) wide, with an entire or undulating margin. They are attached oppositely on the stem on short petioles. These leaves and petioles can irritate skin due to minute stinging hairs. [2]

Flowers

Flower Flowers at Muzhappilangad101 (23).jpg
Flower

The tree flowers from April to November. Flowers are bisexual and 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) in diameter. They have five [19] pale to deep pink or red [20] fringed petals, 10 stamens, and six to 10 glands on the calyx. The three to five flowers per inflorescence are sessile or short-peduncled axillary cymes. [17]

Fruits and seeds

Malpighia emarginata fruit Malpighia emarginata 2013 002.JPG
Malpighia emarginata fruit

Three years after planting, trees start producing fruits. 3–4 weeks after flowering, [4] a number of bright red drupes 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) in diameter with a mass of 3–5 g (0.11–0.18 oz) mature. The shell of the fruit is smooth and very thin. Its shelf life of 2–3 days at ambient temperature makes it highly perishable. Drupes are in pairs or groups of three, and each contains three triangular seeds. The drupes are juicy and high in vitamin C (3–46 mg/g or 1.5–20 grains per ounce) [21] and other nutrients. They are divided into three obscure lobes and are usually acidic to subacidic, giving them a sour taste, [22] but may be sweet if grown well. [23]

Cultivation methods

Yield and harvest

Acerola flowers and fruits already in the first year after planting but increases its production in the following years, reaching up to 47 kg (104 lb) per plant in the sixth year. [16] The fruiting season usually extends from April to November. The fruits should be picked frequently, as they are not stored on the tree. Ripe fruit should be handled carefully to avoid bruising and should be utilized as soon as possible or frozen for later use. Semi-ripe fruit will usually keep for several days in the refrigerator. [15] Pollination by wild insects increases the fruit yield. [24]

Sowing

Plants can be set at any time of the year, but the best time is spring, just before the rainy season. Choose a location with good water drainage and in a sheltered spot. [15]

Pests and diseases

Malpighia emarginata is a host plant for the caterpillars of the white-patched skipper ( Chiomara asychis ), [25] Florida duskywing ( Ephyriades brunneus ), [26] and brown-banded skipper ( Timochares ruptifasciatus ). [27] Larvae of the acerola weevil (Anthonomus macromalus) feed on the fruits, while adults consume young leaves. [28]

Acerola, (West Indian cherry), raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 134 kJ (32 kcal)
7.69 g
Dietary fiber 1.1 g
Fat
0.3 g
0.4 g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins Quantity
%DV†
Vitamin A equiv.
4%
38 μg
Thiamine (B1)
2%
0.02 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
5%
0.06 mg
Niacin (B3)
3%
0.4 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
6%
0.309 mg
Vitamin B6
1%
0.009 mg
Folate (B9)
4%
14 μg
Vitamin C
1864%
1677.6 mg
Minerals Quantity
%DV†
Calcium
1%
12 mg
Iron
1%
0.2 mg
Magnesium
4%
18 mg
Manganese
26%
0.6 mg
Phosphorus
1%
11 mg
Potassium
5%
146 mg
Sodium
0%
7 mg
Zinc
1%
0.1 mg
Other constituentsQuantity
Water91 g
Link to USDA Database entry
†Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults, [29] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies. [30]

Nutritional value

Acerola fruit is 91% water, and 8% carbohydrates, and contains negligible protein and fat (table). In a reference amount of 100 g (3.5 oz), acerola supplies 32 calories, and is a rich source particularly of vitamin C at some 20 times the Daily Value (DV), with manganese at 26% DV, and other micronutrients at uniformly low levels (table).

Whereas the content of sugar, soluble solids and titratable acids increases with the ripening process of the fruit, the vitamin C content decreases. Therefore, the immature green fruit is harvested for industrial use of the vitamin C. [16]

Uses

Culinary

Acerola cherry may be eaten raw or used as a juice or mixed with other, usually sweeter fruit juices. [2] The fruits are used in jams, concentrates, stews, and liqueurs, possibly needing sugar to improve flavor. [2] Cooked fruits are strained to remove the seeds, and the resulting sauce has uses on cake, pudding or ice cream. [2]

Acerola cherry powder is also used in some commercially produced breads as a bread improver. [31] Because acerola also contains pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids, it could also be used as a food colorant. [2]

Others

Acerola is a bonsai subject because of its small leaf and fruit, and fine ramification. It is also grown as an ornamental [32] and for hedges. [12]

References

  1. ↑ "Malpighia emarginata DC. — The Plant List". www.theplantlist.org.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Morton, Julia F. (1987). Barbados cherry, In: Fruits of warm climates. Miami, Fla.: NewCROP, New Crop Resource Online Program, Center for New Crops & Plant Products, Purdue University. pp. 204–7. ISBN   978-0-9610184-1-2.
  3. ↑ Ferreira, A. B. H. (1986). Novo Dicionário da Língua Portuguesa (second ed.). Rio de Janeiro: Nova Fronteira. p. 27.
  4. 1 2 Johnson, P.D. (2003). "Acerola (Malpighia glabra L., M. Punicifolia L., M. Emarginata D.C.): Agriculture, Production and Nutrition". Plants in Human Health and Nutrition Policy. World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics. Vol. 91. pp. 67–75. doi:10.1159/000069930. ISBN   978-3-8055-7554-6. PMID   12747089.
  5. ↑ "Malpighia glabra L. wild crapemyrtle". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 17 May 2006. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
  6. ↑ "Flora of the West Indies / Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution". naturalhistory2.si.edu. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  7. ↑ Aguilera-Arango, Germán Andrés; Aparicio, Jorge Mario Del Toro; Rodriguez, Javier Orlando Orduz (2020). "Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.): Fruta promisoria con posibilidades de cultivo en Colombia. Una revisión" [Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC): Promising fruit with cultivation possibilities in Colombia. A review]. Avances en Investigación Agropecuaria (in Spanish). 24 (2): 7–22. Gale   A633063617.
  8. 1 2 "Malpighia emarginata". Germplasm Resources Information Network . Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture . Retrieved 2 February 2010.
  9. ↑ "Malpighia glabra". Germplasm Resources Information Network . Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture . Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  10. ↑ "Barbados Cherry, Mexican Myrtle, Manzanita, Cerez, Huacacote, Wild Crepe Myrtle, Manyonita, Cerezo de Jamaica, Cerezo de Castillo, Pallo de Gallina, Escobillo, Chia, Arrayncito, Xocat, Xocatatl Malpighia glabra". Benny Simpson's Texas Native Shrubs. Texas A&M University. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
  11. ↑ Boning, Charles (2006). Florida's Best Fruiting Plants: Native and Exotic Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. Sarasota, Florida: Pineapple Press, Inc. p. 41.
  12. 1 2 Hanelt, Peter (2001). Mansfeld's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops (Except Ornamentals). Springer. pp. 1127–1128. ISBN   978-3-540-41017-1.
  13. ↑ Mohammed, M. (2011). "Acerola ( Malpighia emarginata DC.)". Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits. pp. 27–48e. doi:10.1533/9780857092762.27. ISBN   978-1-84569-734-1.
  14. ↑ Yahia, Elhadi, ed. (2011). Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits. Elsevier. ISBN   978-1-84569-733-4.[ page needed ]
  15. 1 2 3 Phillips, R. L. (1994). "Barbados Cherry". University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, EDIS.
  16. 1 2 3 Moura, Carlos F.H.; Oliveira, Luciana de S.; De Souza, Kellina O.; et al. (2018). "Acerola— Malpighia emarginata". Exotic Fruits. pp. 7–14. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803138-4.00003-4. ISBN   978-0-12-803138-4.
  17. 1 2 Orwa, C.; Mutua, A.; Kindt, R.; Jamnadass, R.; Simons, A. (2009). "Malpighia glabra L. Malpighiaceae". Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0. Kenya: World Agroforestry Centre. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  18. ↑ "Tropicos". www.tropicos.org. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  19. ↑ "Plants Profile Malpighia glabra L. wild crapemyrtle". Natural Resources Conservation Service. Archived from the original on 17 May 2006. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  20. ↑ National Geographic (2008). Edible: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Food Plants. National Geographic Books. p. 106. ISBN   978-1-4262-0372-5.
  21. ↑ Vendramini, Ana L.; Trugo, Luiz C. (November 2000). "Chemical composition of acerola fruit (Malpighia punicifolia L.) at three stages of maturity". Food Chemistry. 71 (2): 195–198. doi:10.1016/s0308-8146(00)00152-7.
  22. ↑ "Malpighia glabra L. wild crapemyrtle". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 17 May 2006. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
  23. ↑ Nugent, Jeff; Boniface, Julia (2004). Permaculture Plants: A Selection. Permanent Publications. ISBN   1-85623-029-5.
  24. ↑ Garibaldi, Lucas A.; Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf; Winfree, Rachael; et al. (29 March 2013). "Wild Pollinators Enhance Fruit Set of Crops Regardless of Honey Bee Abundance". Science. 339 (6127): 1608–1611. Bibcode:2013Sci...339.1608G. doi: 10.1126/science.1230200 . hdl: 11336/6844 . PMID   23449997. S2CID   88564525.
  25. ↑ "Species Detail | Butterflies and Moths of North America". 20 June 2010. Archived from the original on 20 June 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  26. ↑ "Species Detail | Butterflies and Moths of North America". 20 June 2010. Archived from the original on 20 June 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  27. ↑ "Species Detail | Butterflies and Moths of North America". 20 June 2010. Archived from the original on 20 June 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  28. ↑ Peña, Jorge E.; Sharp, Jennifer L.; Wysoki, M. (2002). Tropical Fruit Pests and Pollinators: Biology, Economic Importance, Natural Enemies, and Control. CABI. ISBN   978-0-85199-976-0.[ page needed ]
  29. ↑ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  30. ↑ "TABLE 4-7 Comparison of Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in This Report to Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in the 2005 DRI Report". p. 120. In: Stallings, Virginia A.; Harrison, Meghan; Oria, Maria, eds. (2019). "Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. pp. 101–124. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN   978-0-309-48834-1. PMID   30844154. NCBI   NBK545428.
  31. ↑ Franco, Maria; Belorio, Mayara; Gómez, Manuel (8 May 2022). "Assessing Acerola Powder as Substitute for Ascorbic Acid as a Bread Improver". Foods. 11 (9): 1366. doi: 10.3390/foods11091366 . PMC   9101182 . PMID   35564089.
  32. ↑ Gillman, Edward F. (October 1999). "Malpighia glabra" (PDF). Cooperative Extension Services Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. University of Florida. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 April 2009. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
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