Barbados cherry

noun

1

: any of several tropical American shrubs of the genus Malpighia

especially : a large shrub or small tree (Malpighia glabra synonym M. punicifolia) that has glossy evergreen leaves and pink flowers and is found from Texas to northern South America and the West Indies

called also acerola

2

: the mildly acid cherrylike red fruit of the Barbados cherry that is very rich in vitamin C

3

: surinam cherry

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