Showy Asian Grapes

Appearance

''Medinilla speciosa'' reaches on average a height of 45–60 centimetres . This evergreen shrub has woody branched stems and opposite leathery green leaves long and 15 centimetres wide, with prominent veins. The dainty small flowers are bright pink-colored and are produced in large panicles on pendant reddish stems. The flowering period extends from early Summer to Fall. When the blooming is finished for about a month remains a raceme of showy berries, pending that the plant reflowers. These rounded fruits are at first pink and purple-blue when ripe (hence to common name of ''Showy Asian Grapes''.


The plant is utilized as a traditional medicine, by boiling, brewing, or consuming it directly. The fruits are consumed by pregnant women as health supplement and also used as diarrhea, mouth sores, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial treatment.

Naming

''Medinilla'' is named for José de Medinilla y Pineda, who was governor of Mauritius in 1820.

Distribution

This plant occurs naturally in Borneo, Java and Philippines. In Borneo, the plant can be found at the Kinabalu in the Malaysian part of the island. It's distribution include peninsular Malaysia , Java, Sumatra, Lesser Sunda Isl. , Sulawesi, Moluccas and Borneo

Habitat

This species is typical of the mountain forests and prefers shaded areas and moist soils, at elevations between 300 metres and 750 metres above sea level.