Cowitch cherry, Stinging cherry
Malpighia urens

Family: Malpighiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 2-5 m tall. It can be erect or scrambling. The fruit is almost round and fleshy. It is 1-1.5 cm across. It is red. It contains 3 seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs a fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Caribbean (country/location of origin), Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, SE Asia, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The pulp of the fruit is eaten.

The fruit are eaten especially by children. The plant is cultivated for its fruit.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings of semi-ripe wood.

Its other names

Local names

Ceri India, Ceri sengat, Cowhage, Stinging cherry

Synonyms

Malpighia domingensis Small; Malpighia oblongifolia Griseb.; Malpighia ovatifolia Small; Malpighia salicifolia F. K. Mey; Malpighia urens L. f. var. typica;