Medinilla speciosa
Medinilla speciosa is a perennial epiphytic plant in the genus Medinilla of the family Melastomataceae.
Etymology
Medinilla is named for José de Medinilla y Pineda, who was governor of Mauritius in 1820.Description
Medinilla speciosa reaches on average a height of. This evergreen shrub has woody branched stems and opposite leathery green leaves (up to long and 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 the 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 a health supplement and also used as diarrhea, mouth sores, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial treatment.