If you’re in search of a mysterious and beautiful fruit tree, look no further than the Barbados cherry tree. Not only is it an attractive tropical tree, but it’s also a great source of edible fruit and vitamins. The Barbados cherry tree is native to areas of the southern United States and Central and South America; it’s now an evergreen favorite in USDA growing zones 9, 10 and 11. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the size, care and more of the Barbados cherry tree.
At maturity, most Barbados cherry trees reach heights between 15 and 35 feet, though some specimens have been known to reach up to 45 feet. Similarly, there’s a large range in width for the Barbados cherry tree; in some cases, it’s possible for the crown to spread up to 20 feet wide. As a result, it’s important to plan the site where you intend to plant your Barbados cherry tree with its size in mind so as not to crowd other yard fixtures or trees.
This spry tree also has a surprisingly hard bark and wood. This wood is often used for woodworking projects, and the branches are especially renowned for forming unique kites or other playthings. Due to its hardiness, the tree can take a brunt of gusty weather.
Flowering and Fruiting
Beginning in spring, the Barbados cherry tree will typically put out small, white flowers clustered in panicles of six to eight. This is also when it begins to produce the fruit, which is technically a drupe. The drupe contains a shiny, round and plump exterior called an operculum that conceals the edible pulp beneath. This pulp is soft and sour and can range in color from yellow and orange to white.
The best time to begin harvesting the tree’s fruit is when the juiciness is at its peak. If it turns from white to yellow or orange in color, you know to start harvesting. The fruit may ripen late in the summer and persist through fall.
Care Requirements
The Barbados cherry tree thrives in soils that are slightly acidic and well-draining. This means having a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 and adding organic matter for better air and water absorption, like peat moss, as needed. To achieve strong growth, water the soil regularly and deeply so that the root zone remains moist but not soaked. If irrigation is excessive, the tree may become nutrient deficient.
When it comes to pruning, keep in mind that the Barbados cherry tree usually enough space around it to accommodate its size. When necessary, only prune small branches. Hard pruning isn’t usually needed, as the tree already has a natural form and shape that can be maintained with minimal intervention.
Practical Uses
In addition to adorning yards across the world, Barbados cherry trees are also planted for their attractive foliage and for their use as a tropical fruit. The fruit is eaten raw or made into jam, juice and wine. The leaves of the Barbados cherry tree are also said to have medicinal properties, used to prepare teas, poultices and more, often treating coughs, colds, bacterial infections and even seizures. The tree is also said to be an effective natural insecticide.
Pollinators
Though not the most popular of flower pollinators, the Barbados cherry tree does bloom and thus needs pollinators to ensure that its flowers are fertilized and can turn into lovely fruit. Insects incluce butterflies, houseflys, and sweat bees all enjoy the nectar of the Barbados cherry tree. Ants also are attracted to collecting nectar from the flowers, but has been found to harm the tree by eating not only the flower but also the fruit of the tree.
Insects and birds are the primary pollinators of the Barbados cherry tree. Birds are especially effective pollinators because their long beaks can reach further inside the flowers than smaller insects.
Growing Tips
To ensure you get an excellent harvest and a healthy, robust Barbados cherry tree, it’s important to provide the plant with the best soil, sunlight and care. When planting, use fungicides and insecticides as needed to protect the tree against disease. When it comes to the soil, use a solid planting medium in moist, fertilized soil that has a slightly acidic pH. Plant the Barbados cherry tree in areas with plenty of part shade; while the tree can tolerate full sun, it’s best to give it some shelter to help protect against excessive heat.
Since the Barbados cherry tree can be invasive to nearby areas, it’s always best to take caution and ensure not to let it spread. To reduce the chances of this happening, sterilize the soil and always prune the tree at the same time each year. This ensures not to let the branches get too unruly and thus not to spread too far again the following season.
Disease Resistance
Desptite the barbados cherry tree’s beauty, it is suscepitble to a number of diseases. Root rot, verticillium wilt, blight and various fungal conditions, caused by excessive moisture, can also have a detrimental effect on the tree. Common pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, may also try to feast on the green foliage of this otherwise hardy tree. Therefore, it is essential to routinely check on the tree and treat the infestation as soon as it arises.
The best way to prevent disease and pest damage is to keep the tree’s environment clean and healthy. Prune out dead, infested branches and apply organic mulch to keep weeds at bay around the tree’s base. This can also help retain moisture in the soil and help maintain a healthy pH.
How to Propagate
As a tropical tree, the best way to propagate a Barbados cherry tree is through air layering, or detaching a lower branch from the tree, wrapping the cut-off branch in wet peat or sphagnum moss and placing it in a pot of fresh soil to grow roots. This layering process will take place over several months, and the Barbados cherry tree has a higher success rate when propagated this way.
It can also be propagated through seed planting. Collect the seeds found inside the pitted drupes and rinse them in a container of water. Then leave the seeds in a humid and warm environment with plenty of airflow. Generally, one can expect to reap the benefits of seed propagation within 1-3 months.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Though the Barbados cherry tree is hardy and pest-resistant, it can still suffer from damage caused by pests, such as the mealybug, aphid or whitefly. Prevention is best accomplished through regularly pruning the tree and using an organic pesticide to spray off any of the pests that may have taken a liking to it. Always read the label before applying anything to your tree as some products may be ineffective or even cause more damage than good.
For disease prevention, use organic fungicide and bacteria killer to treat potential infections. Additionally, be mindful of the tree’s environment; if the soil is too dry and lacks the proper nutrients, you may want to consider adding a little bit of fertilizer or compost to the soil. If it’s too dry during the summer, you’d be best off irrigating the root zone deeply and regularly.
Conclusion
Gardeners and nature-lovers alike appreciate the beauty of the Barbados cherry tree. With its height and breadth and its hardy wood and bark, there’s no denying the many benefits this evergreen offers. That being said, it’s important to understand how to properly care for the tree and prevent any potential pest or disease damage. With a little bit of TLC, you’ll be sure to see the Barbados cherry tree for many years to come.
