Melastoma affine – Blue Tongue
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- Melastoma affine – Blue Tongue
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- Melastoma affine – Blue Tongue
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- Melastoma affine – Blue Tongue
A hardy evergreen medium sized shrub with mauve flowers in spring and summer. The flowers are followed by sweet blue-black berries that stain, which give the common name of Blue Tongue, and lots of fun for kids. Naturally grows in tropical and sub tropical areas, in moist well drained soils. Prefers part shade and protection from frost and winds.
| Family: | Melastomataceae |
| Scientific Name: | Melastoma affine |
| Common Name: | Blue Tongue |
| Plant Type: | Small shrub, Large shrub |
| Height: | 1 ~ 3 metre |
| Width: | 1 ~ 1.5 metre |
| Flower Colour: | Purple, Mauve |
| Flowering Time: | Spring, Summer |
| Ph Level: | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Type: | Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam |
| Climate Zone: | Tropical, Sub-tropical |
| Light: | Light shade |
| Growth Habit: | Evergreen |
| Lifespan: | Perennial |
| Soil Moisture: | Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage |
| Frost Tolerance: | Not frost tolerant |
| Special Uses: | Edible, Decorative fruit |
| Attracts Wildlife: | Bees, Other insects |
WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that you want, the next step is to find where to get it. Visit or ring your favourite nursery to see if they have it in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you. Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you want, they can often suggest an alternative to you. Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries, and some who do mail order. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – mail order
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.