Melastoma spp.
melastomes
South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and Australia
Overview
Melastoma spp. is a genus of evergreen tropical shrubs and small trees in the family Melastomataceae, native to South and Southeast Asia, southern China, the Pacific islands, and northern Australia. Plants form rounded, much-branched shrubs 2-10 feet (0.6-3 m) tall and 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) wide, with stiff stems clothed in short bristly hairs. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, and marked by three to five curved veins running from base to tip, a hallmark of the family. Five-petaled flowers 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) across open in mauve-pink to purple, occasionally white, with a cluster of curved yellow and purple stamens at the center, and appear nearly year-round in warm climates. The flowers are buzz-pollinated by bees that vibrate the stamens to release pollen. Fleshy berry-like fruits split open to reveal soft pulp and many seeds; the dark pulp stains the mouth and gives the family its name, from the Greek for black mouth. M. malabathricum grows aggressively on disturbed and acidic soils and is listed as an invasive weed in Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Plants are frost-tender and limited to tropical and frost-free subtropical climates.
Native Range
Native to South and Southeast Asia, southern China, Malesia, the Pacific islands, and northern Australia, in open forest, clearings, roadsides, and acidic wetlands.Suggested Uses
Grown as a flowering evergreen shrub in tropical and frost-free subtropical gardens, in mixed borders, informal hedges, and large containers. The berries draw fruit-eating birds. Because M. malabathricum naturalizes aggressively, planting is restricted in Hawaii and other areas where it is listed as invasive.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
mauve-pink to purple, occasionally whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to partial shade on moist, acidic soil with a pH near 4.5-6.5 and tolerates poor, lateritic, and seasonally wet ground. Water needs are moderate to high; plants need steady moisture and slow in prolonged drought. Frost-free conditions are needed, as foliage and stems are damaged below about 32 F (0 C). Acidic fertilizer supports steady growth in containers and poor soils. Plants resprout readily after cutting and can self-sow heavily where conditions suit. Container plants need a free-draining, lime-free mix.Pruning
Plants are cut back after the main flush to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Removing spent fruit before seed disperses limits unwanted seedlings. Old or crowded stems are thinned at the base in any frost-free month.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons