Showy Asian grapes
Medinilla speciosa
Family: Melastomataceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 40-60 cm tall. The branches are woody. The leaves are arranged oppositely. They are green and leathery. The flowers are in a panicle with red stems. They hang down. The fruit are berries that are round and pink but then turn purple to blue as they ripen.
There are about 400 Medinilla species. Not in The Plant List.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in mountain forests and shaded areas in moist soils. It grows between 300-750 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sumatra, SE Asia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds and also softwood cuttings and roots.
Its other names
Local names
Balangbang, Medinila ceria, Medinila pesolek