Pereskia aculeata, commonly known as the Barbados Gooseberry, is a fascinating plant that combines the elegance of a cactus with the versatility of a climbing vine. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, this unusual plant surprises with its ability to grow both in open ground and as a hedge or on trellises. Its dense foliage, made up of glossy green, oval-shaped leaves, creates a striking contrast with its spiny stems, characteristic of cacti.
At the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden, located in Ivato near Antananarivo, the Barbados Gooseberry thrives in an ideal setting, showcasing its full beauty. This climbing cactus can reach up to 10 metres in height when given adequate support. During its flowering period, it produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of cream to pale yellow, attracting a wide variety of pollinating insects. These blossoms later develop into round, edible berries with a yellow-orange hue, often compared to small grapes or gooseberries, hence its name.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Pereskia aculeata, or the Barbados Gooseberry, plays an important ecological role. Its dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small animals, while its fruits serve as a valuable food source for many local species. This plant blends seamlessly into the carefully designed tropical landscapes of the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden, enhancing the lush and tranquil atmosphere that visitors seek. The hotels, restaurants, and lodges in the Ivato area also value its aesthetic and practical qualities, often using it to beautify their outdoor spaces.
With its spiny stems, glossy leaves, and vibrant fruits, the Barbados Gooseberry stands out as a unique plant that never fails to attract attention. Visitors to the botanical garden particularly appreciate its tropical character and its ability to adapt to a variety of landscaping needs.
Plant use
Pereskia aculeata stands out not only for its beauty but also for its diverse practical and culinary uses. Its edible fruits, rich in vitamin C, are often used to make juices, jams, and desserts. With a slightly tangy flavour reminiscent of redcurrants, they are a prized ingredient in tropical regions. In addition to the fruits, the young leaves of the Barbados Gooseberry are tender, nutrient-rich, and consumed as leafy vegetables in certain cultures. They add a delicate flavour and pleasant texture to soups and salads. In rural areas, this plant is valued both for its ornamental appeal and its practical benefits. Due to its thorny stems, it is commonly used as a living hedge to mark property boundaries or protect crops from animals. At the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden, it plays an important ecological role. Its fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its fruits provide food for various bird species. In landscaped spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and lodges around Ivato and Antananarivo, the Barbados Gooseberry brings a unique tropical touch to gardens. It can be used as a decorative climbing plant, elegantly covering trellises or walls while providing shade with its dense foliage. Finally, in traditional medicine, certain parts of Pereskia aculeata are used for their anti-inflammatory properties and to relieve joint pain. Although these uses are still being studied, they highlight the cultural significance of this plant. Its presence at the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden allows visitors to discover a plant that is both useful and aesthetically pleasing, harmoniously integrated into a tropical setting.Tropical America
Key information
| Common name | Barbados Gooseberry |
| Scientific name | Pereskia aculeata |
| Origin | Tropical America |
| Natural habitat | Tropical forests and wetlands |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | Spring and summer |
