Shrub of the family Malpighiaceae, acerola grows spontaneously in the tropical regions of South America, including in the Peru and Amazonian forests of the Brazil and the Venezuela. It is also present in the West Indies where it is called cherry-land.
The leaves are opposite, oval, or elliptical and terminated by a sharp point.
Flowers, bright red, open three times per year. They are grouped in inflorescences axillary.
The acerola fruit is edible, tangy and pleasant taste. The fruits reach maturity shortly after flowering. Heat-sensitive, their conservation requires great care.
In medicine, the acerola fruit is used in powder form and is indicated for the functional asthenia and to facilitate weight regain after weight loss. Generally, it is prescribed when colds and against fatigue.
Scientific evidence:
some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. However, the FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive.
