Pereskia aculeata (Barbados Gooseberry) - Video 2

Botanical name: Pereskia aculeata

Common names: Barbados Gooseberry, Lemon Vine, Tsunya, Perescia

Family: Cactaceae

Origin: Caribbean and South America, escaped in Central America to Florida

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Large shrub 5-10 ft tallPlant form: Large bush
Plant mature sizeMature height: 5-10 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular; moderate
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Thorny or spinyThorns: Thorny or spiny
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Pereskia aculeata


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Pereskia aculeata (Barbados Gooseberry) orange fruit close up on a plate.

Barbados Gooseberry, Perescia - unique cactus with leaves and edible fruit, fast-growing vine. It is a tropical treasure that combines beauty with edible delights. Despite being a cactus, it's not your typical prickly plant. Instead, it features climbing woody stems draped in succulent, alternately arranged leaves that can shift in color from green to red, yellow, or purple. In late summer, it delights with clusters of fragrant white flowers that fill your garden with a sweet aroma.
This unique plant produces small, spiny fruits that resemble gooseberries, with a delightful, pleasant flavor. The fruits are edible and can be enjoyed fresh, stewed, or made into jams and jellies. Even the young leaves are edible, making them a nutritious addition to your meals. The fruit is yellow with a juicy, subacid pulp, and has a flavor that closely resembles a gooseberry.
As a vining cactus shrub, the Barbados Gooseberry bears spines in pairs or trios and thrives in conditions that offer some humidity. It prefers good drainage but likes its soil to remain moist during the summer, while being kept drier in the winter. It's propagated by seed or cutting and is perfect for adding both beauty and function to your garden, provided you give it the right care.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
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32 oz (1 qt, 946 ml)
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500 ml (16 oz)
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6"/1 gal or larger pot, large plant
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