Malpighia coccigera aka Miniature Holly

Malpighia coccigera is a small shrub from the Caribbean. It keeps its leaves all year. People call it Singapore holly or miniature holly. It belongs to the Malpighiaceae family. It is not a true holly of the genus Ilex. Its range includes Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It also grows in the Leeward, Windward, and Venezuelan Antilles. Wild plants grow on rocky slopes, in thickets, and in scrub forests.

In gardens, it tends to stand 1–3 feet [0.3–0.91 metres] tall. Its spread reaches 2–5 feet [0.61–1.52 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives a taller range: 3.3–6.6 feet [1–2 metres]. Long branches may lie on the ground and form low cover. The small leaves are dark green and look like holly leaves. They are oval or wider near the tip. They reach about three-quarters of an inch long. Their wavy edges have lobes with spines at the tips.

Pink flowers shaped like trumpets grow from the leaf axils. These are the points where leaves join stems. Flowers grow alone or in pairs, about half an inch across. Missouri Botanical Garden gives summer as the bloom time. Useful Tropical Plants reports blooms and fruit all year. Purple fruit grows about one-fifth to three-fifths of an inch across. Plants may bear little fruit in gardens. Useful Tropical Plants suggests a lone clone may lack suitable cross-pollination. People eat the fruit fresh or cooked. They also use it in tarts, jelly, and marmalade.

Grow this shrub in moist soil that drains well. It accepts many soil types and a moderate level of nutrients. It grows in full sun or light shade. Shade in the hottest hours may help in hot sites. It needs moderate water and dislikes temperatures below 55°F. Missouri Botanical Garden gives two hardiness ranges that conflict. Its care notes list zones 10b–11; its summary lists 11–12. Grow new plants from seeds or cuttings. Half-ripe cuttings can root in a frame with bottom heat.

In warm gardens, this small shrub suits low hedges and ground cover. It also suits borders, rock gardens, and beds near buildings. Gardeners grow it in pots and train it as bonsai. Its blooms, fruit, and year-round leaves add beauty to gardens. It needs little care where growing conditions suit it. Serious problems with pests and disease are rare. Leaf spot and root rot can occur. Watch for scale insects and mealybugs, too. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. It gives no safety details for pets.