Malpighia \Mal*pi"ghi*a\, n. [NL. See {Malpighian}.] (Bot.) A genus of tropical American shrubs with opposite leaves and small white or reddish flowers. The drupes of {Malpighia glabra} (formerly {Malpighia urens}) are eaten under the name of {Barbadoes cherries}. [1913 Webster]