Scientific Name: Malphighia glabra, Malpighiaceae family
Common Names: Acerola, Antilles cherry, Barbados cherry, cereso, cerezo, escobillo, health tree, huesito, Puerto Rican cherry, wild crapemyrtle, West Indian cherry
This tropical, fruit-bearing shrub or small tree is generally considered to have originated along the Caribbean rim, particularly the West Indies and northern South America. Based on linguistic evidence, its distribution may, more specifically, have emanated outward from Mayan use in the Yucatan in Mexico, thousands of years ago.
Acerola is grown in California and many other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Some of the largest plantings are in Brazil. One island nation of the Carribean so values its crop that vigorous preventive measures are taken with plant cuttings. The fruit is juiced and eaten fresh where it is cultivated.
Until camu-camu became known outside of its rainforest environs, acerola was considered to be the richest single plant source of vitamin C.
Used to treat anemia, colds, flu, diabetes, dysentery, fever, heart function, high cholesterol levels, inflammation, liver disorders, rheumatism, tuberculosis, water retention, wounds, diarrhea, fever, bowel inflammation, breast disorders, dermatologic care, and hepatitis. It is used to lower cholesterol levels, and to aid in recovery during convalescence.
Recent research indicates acerola contains antioxidants. At the cellular level antioxidants tend to free radical damage in cells. Benefits of this extend to the skin, and natural mineral salts in acerola advance it dermatologic benefits. Acerola's mucilage and protein have hydrating properties which promote capillary conditioning.
Acerola potentiates the cholesterol-lowering benefits and actions of soy and alfalfa.
*Free radicals: reactive single atoms having one or more unpaired electrons. Produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced from outside sources (smoke, toxins, pollutants, etc.) Free radical atoms can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure.
Description:
Malphighia glabra is a large, relatively fast-growing bushy shrub attaining to 15 ft in height. Can be pruned to any desired shape, but grows best as a managed shrub. Branches are brittle, and easily broken. The root system is shallow. Leaves are dark to light green, glossy when mature, obviate to lanceolate, with an entire margin with minute hairs - known to be a mild skin-irritant. Flowers are sessile or on short-peduncled cymes with small pink to white flowers with five petals. Flowerings occur throughout year, but typically in rainy cycles. Pollination, rare, is generally attributed to only the Centris bee.
Bright red fruits grow to 3/4 in. in diameter. Though botanically unrelated, fruits are visibly similar to the European cherry (prunus). Fruits are round to oblate with 3 lobes. The thin-skinned fruit is easily bruised. Pulp is juicy, acid or sub-acid to nearly sweet with a delicate flavor and apple notes. Fruit develops to maturity in approx. 29 days. Triangle shaped brown seeds, typically 3 in number, have fluted wings.
Dosage:
Taken in capsules or added to beverages: 1-2 Tblsp. 3x per day.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
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