Common Name: Singapore holly
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Malpighiaceae
Native Range: West Indies
Zone: 11 to 12
Height: 1.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 5.00 feet
Bloom Time: Flowers freely
Bloom Description: Pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Hedge
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Evergreen
Fruit: Showy
Other: Thorns
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10b-11 where it may be grown in moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. May appreciate some part shade in the heat of the day. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Plants dislike temperatures below 55 degrees Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10b-11 where it may be grown in moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. May appreciate some part shade in the heat of the day. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Plants dislike temperatures below 55 degrees F.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Malpighia coccigera, commonly called miniature holly or Singapore holly, is a small low-growing, evergreen shrub that will sometimes spread somewhat prostrate on the ground. It typically grows to 1-3' tall with a spread to 2-5' wide. It is native to rocky slopes, thickets and scrub forests in the West Indies. Elliptic to obovate, holly-like, dark green leaves (to 3/4" long) with undulate margins have spines at the tips of each lobe. The leaves are somewhat similar in appearance to the leaves of true hollies, however this plant is not a member of the holly genus (Ilex). Trumpet-shaped, pink flowers (to 1/2" across) are produced singly or in pairs from the leaf axils in summer, with some sporadic additional bloom occurring throughout the year. Flowers are followed by broad ovoid red berries (drupes).
Genus name honors Marcello Malpighi (1628-1694), famous Italian anatomist and professor at Bologna.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Occasional leaf spot or root rot. Watch for scale and mealybugs.
Uses
Where winter hardy, it is an effective addition to foundations, borders, rock gardens or as a low hedge. Containers. Bonsai.