Barbados holly, Miniature holly
Malpighia coccigera
Family: Malpighiaceae
What it is like
A small evergreen shrub. The bark is light coloured. It grows 75 cm high and 75 cm wide. The leaves are 25 mm long and dark glossy green. They have deep teeth and sharp prickles. The flowers are pink to mauve. The fruit is small and red-purple when ripe. They are 6-12 mm wide.
There are 40 Malpighia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows naturally in the West Indies. It needs moderate moisture. It needs an average, well-drained soil. It can grow in some shade. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Caribbean, Central America (country/location of origin), Cuba (country/location of origin), Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Lesser Antilles, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used in tarts, jellies, and marmalades.
It is a cultivated food plant.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from cuttings or seed. It makes a good hedge plant.
Its other names
Local names
Holi kate, Kanta malpighia, Singapore holly