Acerola

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Source: Malpighia emarginata DC. (M. glabra L., M. punicifolia L., M. berteriana Spreng., M. lanceolata Griseb., M. retusa Benth., M. umbellata Rose) (Family Malpighiaceae).

Common/vernacular names: Acerola, Barbados, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and West Indian cherry, and huesito.

Acerola is the fruit of a shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 5 m. Fruits (drupes) are globose, ovoid, or subglobose, 1–2 cm in diameter, bright red, slightly resembling cherries. Mature fruits are juicy and soft, with a pleasant tart flavor.

Both M. glabra and M. punicifolia have been reported in the literature as a source of acerola with high vitamin C content. However, M. punicifolia or its hybrid with M. glabra appears to be the correct source. More recently, the plant species that supplies acerola has been renamed M. emarginata.

Malpighia emarginata is native to the West Indies and is also found in northern South America, Central America, Florida, and Texasand and now increasingly grown worldwide (e.g., USA, Brazil, and Australia) for use in dietary supplements. Its fruit is among the richest known sources of natural vitamin C.

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