This spreading shrub has upright woody pubescent stems that form an open rounded habit. It has dark green hairy elliptical leaves and the purplish wheel-shaped flowers appear in small terminal cluster in spring or periodically throughout the year.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Melastoma affineis naturally found from in Australia from northern New South Wales to tropical Queensland, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and India growing in shrubland along creek embankments and associated with lowland monsoonal forests.

It prefers a semi shaded to full sun wind protected position in a well drained organic rich moist sandy loam and is drought and frost tender.

Native Lasiandra is grown for its flowers and its foliage. It is planted in small gardens along borders or used in tropical settings around a water feature. It is also used in patio pots establishing in 2 to 3 years and is suitable for coastal regions. ID 2917

Melastoma (me-la-STO-ma) affine(ah-FIN-eh)

Melastomataceae (MEL-as-TO-ma-TAY-see-ee)