Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Melastoma malabathricum
Malabar Melastome
The Melastoma malabathricum, or Malabar Melastome, is a fast bushy shrub of the Asian tropics, easily recognised by leaves with three bold veins running the length of the blade and by open five-petalled flowers in a strong mauve-purple with contrasting yellow and purple stamens.
It colonises poor, disturbed and acidic ground that defeats most ornamentals, which makes it a genuinely useful plant for rehabilitation planting and for embankments where nothing has been built into the soil.
Specifications
- Height1 to 3 metres
- Width1 to 2 metres
- Native toSouth and Southeast Asia, southern China, and the Pacific through to northern Australia
- FoliageOpposite, bristly, lance-shaped leaves with three prominent longitudinal veins; evergreen
- Growth rateFast
Conditions
- SoilPrefers acidic, free-draining soils and thrives on poor, disturbed and lateritic ground
- LightFull sun to partial shade
- WaterModerate; regular through establishment
- ClimateThrives in tropical and humid subtropical regions
Additional Features
- FlowersOpen five-petalled mauve-purple flowers with contrasting yellow and purple stamens, carried near continuously
- FruitFleshy purple-black berries that split to reveal deep purple pulp
- UsesIdeal for informal mass planting, embankment and rehabilitation work, and wildlife borders
- SpacingPlant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a continuous mass
- Low MaintenancePrune hard after flowering to keep the bush compact; it recovers quickly
- Pest ResistanceGenerally trouble-free
- Wildlife AttractionFlowers draw bees and the fruit is taken readily by birds
- Erosion ControlEstablishes on raw cut banks and binds loose disturbed soil
Malabar Melastome puts flowering cover onto poor acid ground where a conventional shrub scheme would simply fail.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 08 September 2026