The Tropical Cherry

ACEROLA IS A SELF-CONTAINED INDOOR OR OUTDOOR SHRUB WITH A SHINY RED EDIBLE FRUIT PACKED WITH VITAMIN C

- Jennifer Stackhouse

The acerola is a small fruit tree or large shrub that ticks a lot of boxes provided it’s growing in a warm climate and in a sheltered spot.

It doesn’t like cold and can be damaged by strong winds, but in a warm, sheltered garden it’s a winner, with pretty pink flowers reminiscent of crepe myrtle and shiny red edible fruits that give it the common name of Barbados cherry.

The common name also hints at its origins. While found in the Caribbean, it is also native to tropical and subtropical zones in Mexico, Central America and South America. In its native growing area it is a host plant for many types of butterflies.