Genus Malpighia is a small group of tropical shrubs and trees that are best known for their antioxidant-rich fruits. The genus belongs to the Malpighiaceae family and is commonly referred to as acerola or Barbados cherry. There are a few synonyms for this genus, including Malpighia emarginata and Malpighia glabra. The former is more commonly used to refer to the acerola plant, while the latter is often associated with Malpighia coccigera, a closely related species. Both of these synonyms are widely recognized by botanists and horticulturists, and are often used interchangeably with Genus Malpighia.