The West Indian cherry is a fast-growing, but small tree. The berries it produces are 1.5 to 4 cm in diameter. These berries are sour in taste but sometimes sweet. The Violet-coloured flowers are an attractive feature of this plant.
West Indian cherries are popular as a source of vitamin c and are used as a health supplement and immunity booster.
It is a good choice for making pickles.
- Origin: Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America
- Common names: West Indian Cherry, Acerola, Barbados Cherry
- Botanical family: Malpighiaceae
- Edibility rating: 7/10
- Health Benefits: 9/10
- Maturity period: Seedlings: 2-3 years; Grafted plants: 1-2 years
- Fruiting season: Throughout the year, with peak seasons in summer and fall (India: April to June and September to
- November)
- Growing in containers: Well suited
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun
- Growth habit type: Shrub or small tree
- Average Height: 6-15 feet
- Average width (canopy span): 6-15 feet
- Growth rate: Fast
- Ease of growing: Easy
Growing West Indian Cherry
It doesn’t grow taller than 3-4 metres and can easily be grown in a pot. West Indian cherry tree requires almost no maintenance, once established and they grow abundantly in Indian conditions.
It can tolerate partially shaded conditions. Leave a space of about 3 metres around the tree for adequate sunlight and space to grow.
West Indian cherry is pruned for the growth of fresh branches, which also increases the yield of its berries.