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Malpighia spp.
malpighia
Overview
Malpighia is a genus of about 45 evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Malpighiaceae, native to the warm Americas from the southern United States and West Indies through Mexico to tropical South America. Plants range from low, dense shrubs near 3 ft (1 m) to small trees about 20 ft (6 m) tall. The opposite leaves are simple and often glossy; in several species they carry stiff, barbed hairs that detach and irritate skin on contact. Flowers measure roughly 0.5–1 in (1–2.5 cm) across, with five clawed petals fringed at the margin, in shades of pink, rose, and white. These are followed by red, fleshy drupes; in M. emarginata, the Barbados cherry, the fruit is edible and high in vitamin C. M. coccigera is a small-leaved species grown as a clipped hedge and for bonsai. Across the genus, plants occupy warm, frost-free climates and flower repeatedly through the warm season. Frost tolerance is low, with damage below about 30°F (-1°C). The irritant hairs of some species limit handling and placement near walkways.
Native Range
Malpighia is native to the warm Americas, from the southern United States (Texas, Florida) and the West Indies through Mexico and Central America to tropical South America. The genus is concentrated in the Caribbean and Mesoamerica.Suggested Uses
Grown as clipped hedges, foundation shrubs, and container plants in warm regions, with M. coccigera also used for bonsai. M. emarginata is cultivated for its vitamin-C-rich fruit in home and commercial orchards. Compact forms are kept in pots and overwintered indoors in cooler climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 20'
Width/Spread3' - 15'
Bloom Information
Flowering recurs through much of the warm season, often spring through autumn in frost-free climates and year-round in the tropics. The small five-petalled flowers open pink to rose or white and draw bees, which pollinate while collecting oils from glands on the sepals. Red drupes ripen a few weeks after each flush.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink, rose, or whiteFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Malpighia species grow in full sun to part shade in warm, frost-free climates. They take a range of well-drained soils and tolerate short dry spells once established, though steady moisture supports heavier fruiting in M. emarginata. Growth is moderate, and plants respond to clipping, which makes M. coccigera a common hedge and bonsai subject. Cold below about 30°F (-1°C) damages foliage and stems. In cooler regions, compact species are grown in containers and moved under cover for winter. The barbed hairs of some species can irritate skin during pruning.Pruning
Light, regular shearing keeps hedge and bonsai forms dense, carried out through the warm season. Larger species need only removal of dead or crossing wood in spring. Plants tolerate hard renovation cutting and resprout from old wood.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons