Velvet tree
Miconia calvescens

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 15 m tall. The leaves are large and can be 1 m long. The leaves are purple and green with white veins. The flowers are in large panicles. They are white or pink. The fruit are small and purple. They are about 1 cm across. They are filled with many very small seeds.

It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Seeds can be produced in large numbers and lie dormant in the soil for 12 years. They need sun to germinate.

Its other names

Local names

Abranda-fogo, Barbecho, Bush currant, Chhiriria tetacho, Chinchak, Green cancer, Moreda, Pepa de pajaro, Pishku mikuna muyu yura, Purple plague, Sirak

Synonyms

Cyanophyllum magnificum Groenl.; Melastoma mandioccana Raddi; Miconia arborea Pav. ex Triana; Miconia magnifica (Groenl.) Triana; Miconia velutina L. Linden & Rodigas; and others