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Reference · Crops

Malpighiaceae

Malpighiaceae is a diverse family of flowering plants consisting of trees, shrubs, and woody vines. The most economically significant agricultural representative is the Barbados cherry, also known as acerola, which is widely recognized for its exceptionally high vitamin C content.

Main sections

Stigmaphyllon8 Bunchosia5 Mascagnia4 Acridocarpus3 Aspidopterys3 Galphimia2 Heteropterys2 Janusia2 Acerola1 Banisteriopsis1 Byrsonima1 Callaeum1 Dicella1 Gaudichaudia1 Hiptage1 Lophanthera1 Sphedamnocarpus1 Tetrapteris1 Thryallis1 Triopteris1
35 sections

What the section contains

Acerola Malpighia L. 1 item Acridocarpus Acridocarpus 3 items Aspidopteris nutans Aspidopteris nutans Aspidopterys Aspidopterys 3 items Banisteriopsis Banisteriopsis 1 item Barbados cherry Malpighia glabra Bunchosia Bunchosia 5 items Byrsonima Byrsonima 1 item Byrsonima coriacea Byrsonima coriacea Byrsonima intermedia Byrsonima intermedia Byrsonima lucida Byrsonima lucida Byrsonima pinetorum Byrsonima pinetorum Byrsonima spicata Byrsonima spicata Byrsonima wrightiana Byrsonima wrightiana Callaeum Callaeum 1 item Cuban malpighia Malpighia cubensis Dicella Dicella 1 item Galphimia Galphimia 2 items Gaudichaudia Gaudichaudia 1 item Heteropterys Heteropterys 2 items Hiptage Hiptage 1 item Hiraea Hiraea Janusia Janusia 2 items Lophanthera Lophanthera 1 item Malpighia coccigera Malpighia coccigera Malpighia urens Malpighia urens Malpighia yucatanaea Malpighia yucatanaea Mascagnia Mascagnia 4 items Mexican acerola Malpighia mexicana Sphedamnocarpus Sphedamnocarpus 1 item Stigmaphyllon Stigmaphyllon 8 items Tetrapteris Tetrapteris 1 item Thryallis Thryallis 1 item Triopteris Triopteris 1 item Tristellateia Tristellateia

Malpighiaceae

Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, these plants naturally thrive in environments ranging from moist forests to open tropical savannahs. Their primary cultivation range currently extends throughout the tropical and subtropical belts globally, where the climate mimics their native habitat.

Botanically, plants in the Malpighiaceae family are identified by their opposite leaves, which often feature small glands on the petioles. Their flowers typically show radial symmetry with distinct, clawed petals, and the fruits can vary significantly between drupes and samaras.

Successful cultivation requires a frost-free environment with plenty of direct sunlight. The soil must be well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic. Proper irrigation management is critical, as these plants are highly sensitive to waterlogged conditions that encourage root rot.

The agricultural usage is predominantly focused on the production of high-value fruit for the juice and supplement industries. Additionally, several species are used as ornamental plants in tropical landscaping due to their vibrant flowers and ability to thrive in warm climates.

  • Pruning to maintain manageable size and increase yields.
  • Monitoring for common pests like scale insects and mites.
  • Integrated pest management to maintain crop health.
  • Applying nutrient-rich fertilizers during the active growing season.