Melastoma affine – Blue Tongue
- Melastoma affine – Blue Tongue
- Melastoma affine – Blue Tongue
- 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.
Scientific Name: | Melastoma affine |
Family: | Melastomataceae |
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 |