It is a shrub or small evergreen tree, less than 6 m tall, with spreading, more or less drooping branches on a short trunk.
The glabrous leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptic-lanceolate, with entire or
undulating margins, dark green and glossy above, with short petioles.
Inflorescences are sessile or have a short-peduncle, produced in axillary cymes of 3-5 flowers. The individual flowers are bisexual, 1-2 cm in diameter, bearing 5 pinkish, translucent, slender clawed petals with crinkled margins.
The fruit, commonly known as Acerola cherry is a bright-red, juicy drupe, about 1-3 cm in diameter and usually produced in pairs or threes, obscurely 3-lobed; has a thin skin, flesh is soft. Seeds are 3 per fruit, triangular in shape and ridged.
The fruit is sour initially, but sweet and juicy when ripe. It is very rich in vitamin C, up to 65 times that of an orange. Eaten fresh or as flavoring for drinks, it is commonly used in parts of South America to flavor ice creams, drinks, and cocktails.
Medicinal uses: In Suriname's traditional medicine the leaves are used against dysentery and diarrhea. Also used for liver ailments; fruit used against the common cold.
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Plants of Singapore