top of page

Melastoma malabathricum

Blue Tongue (Mauve)

Melastomataceae

Description:

Rounded shrub with attractive green foliage and striking purple stems. Produces lovely mauve flowers, 5–10 cm across, from spring to autumn. Its sweet, edible fruit is famous for staining the tongue blue.

Special Features:

  • Long flowering period

  • Hardy, though frost tender

  • Attracts Miskin Jewel Butterfly

  • Responds well to pruning

Natural Habitat:

Wallum Woodlands, Wet Eucalypt Forest

Aspect:

Full Sun, Partial Sun/Shade

Soil/Conditions:

Moist, Adaptable

Tree/Shrub Height:

Shrub to 2m

Attracts:

Bees, Insectivorous birds, Butterflies

Flower Colour:

Mauve

Melastoma malabathricum - Blue Tongue (Mauve)

Gallery

Regional ecosystem:

​

Link to Regional Ecosystem description QLD Gov:

bottom of page