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 |
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WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – mail order
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.