Photo of Malpighia coccigera flower, foliage, form by Valérie75

Photo by Valérie75

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Malpighia coccigera

Also Known As

  • Dwarf Holly

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 1'-3'
  • W: 3'-5'

planting zones

  • 10b-11

More Options

Malpighia coccigera plant details

Malpighia coccigera is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer pink flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Malpighia coccigera

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: malpighiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: bonsai, container plant, houseplant, spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Malpighia coccigera

USDA Zones: 10b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Malpighia coccigera has tiny holly like leaves with spiny edges. Produces 1/2" pink 4 petal fringed blooms in summer followed with 1/2" red fruits. It is native to West Indies. Likes sun to part shade and temps of 55 °F night. 70 °F days. Great for bonsai, houseplant, or root over rock specimens.

Gardening facts about Malpighia coccigera plant

How to Grow Malpighia coccigera

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Malpighia for your garden

aka Malpighia glabra 'Nana', Malpighia punicifolia, Malpighia punicifolia 'Nana', Dwarf Acerola, Dwarf Barbados Cherry

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Malpighia emarginata [dwarf form] fruit by Far South Wholesale Nursery
View Plant

More Options

aka Malpighia glabra, Acerola, Barbados Cherry, West Indian Cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 20'-30'

Width: 15'-20'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Malpighia emarginata foliage, fruit by Marcelo P. B. Silva
View Plant

More Options

+2 more Malpighia
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