Medanilla magnifica
02 March
Posted at 14:50h
in Plant of the Week
ROSE GRAPE
Medanilla magnifica is native to the Philippines. It is an epiphyte which means it grows on other plants and trees. It only uses the host plant as structure to grow on and does not take any nutrients away from it. It blooms Spring to Summer.
The common names lead one to believe it might be a rose, grape or orchid however it is in fact none of thise. It belongs in the Melastomataceae family.
The leaves and the fruit are edible and taste sour. They contain saponins and steroids. They are high in Vitamin C. The crushed fruit can be applied to ant bites for relief of the sting. This plant can be seen in the picnic area near the entrance and at the bottom of the boardwalk. There are several other Medanilla varieties in the garden.