Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical American shrub (Malpighia emarginata): A small tree or shrub native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, known for its edible fruit.
   • The fruit of this shrub: A small, bright red or yellow, cherry-like berry that is exceptionally rich in vitamin C.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the plant):

  • The barbados cherry bush in our garden is flowering.
  • Farmers cultivate barbados cherry for its nutritious fruit.

• Noun (referring to the fruit):

  • I made a delicious juice from fresh barbados cherry.
  • The barbados cherry has a tart, acidic flavor.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural context: The term is used to specify the species in botanical or agricultural discussions.
  • Malpighia emarginata, commonly known as barbados cherry, is a popular choice for home gardens in warm climates.

Variants and Related Words

• Acerola: Another common name for both the barbados cherry shrub and its fruit. This name is frequently used in commercial and nutritional contexts due to the fruit's high vitamin C content.
• West Indian cherry: A less common synonym for barbados cherry.

Synonyms

• Acerola: (Primary synonym for the fruit, especially in nutritional supplements).
• Malpighia emarginata: (The scientific/botanical name).

Notes on Meaning

• The term barbados cherry specifically refers to this particular tropical species. It is not a true cherry (genus ), but is named for the visual resemblance of its fruit.
• Its primary significance lies in its fruit being one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C.

Noun

1. acid red or yellow cherry-like fruit of a tropical American shrub very rich in vitamin C
2. tropical American shrub bearing edible acid red fruit resembling cherries