The Sweet Southern Cherry Tree (Malpighia emarginata), also known as the Barbados Cherry Tree, is a tropical fruiting tree that produces bright red, cherry-like fruit packed with exceptionally high levels of vitamin C. Sold in a 3.5 gallon container, this fast-growing evergreen features glossy green foliage and delicate soft pink blooms that appear from spring through fall. The fruit is ideal for fresh eating, juicing, or making preserves.

This tree begins bearing fruit within 1 to 2 years of planting and can produce multiple harvests per year under warm, frost-free conditions. It is partially self-pollinating but benefits significantly from a second tree nearby to improve yield. At maturity it reaches 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, though it responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a compact patio or container plant. Growth rate is 12 to 24 inches per year under ideal conditions.

The Sweet Southern Cherry Tree thrives outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. In cooler zones (4 to 8), it grows successfully in containers and should be moved indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F. It prefers full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, and well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Water when the top inch of soil is dry, approximately every 3 to 5 days in warm weather. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, and prune lightly after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.