Malpighia aquifolia
Linn.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) JCTimyan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by JCTimyan
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) JCTimyan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by JCTimyan
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) JCTimyan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by JCTimyan
Description
A tropical tree in the Malpighiaceae family bearing dark purple fruit when ripe.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The fruit is eaten.
Distribution
A tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Central America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, West Indies*,
Cultivation
Malpighia aquifolia is a plant of the seasonally dry tropics and is intolerant of frosts.. Grows best in a sunny position, preferring a well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil.
Propagation
Seed - Cuttings - cuttings of half-ripe wood, with entire leaves, in a frame with bottom heat.
Other Uses
The plant has a dense habit of growth and responds well to trimming. It is used as a hedge and is also suitable for topiary.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 397
- Plants of Haiti Smithsonian Institute http://botany.si.edu/antilles/West Indies
