Source: The acerola extract comes from the fruit of Malpighia glabra, a tropical shrub or small tree native to the Caribbean and cultivated in Brazil and elsewhere. One of its common names is Barbados cherry because of the appearance of its fruit. Description: Acerola cherry, also named Barbados cherry, West Indian Cherry and Wild Crapemyrtle, is a tropical fruit native from South and Central America, It is known worldwide by being an excellent source of Vitamin C.