玫瑰葡萄花<br><i>藥草</i>

Medinilla myriantha, often called the 'Malaysian Orchid' is not actually an orchid and nor is it from Malaysia (its endemic to the Phillipines). In its natural habitat it is semi-epiphytic so it definitely requires very porous, free-draining soil. It sports large, broad lush leaves and puts on a fabulous flower show in late NZ's late autumn, with dangling panicles of beautiful small pinky-purple 'grapes' - hence its other common name; the Rose Grape flower. Needs to avoid a hard frost but apart from that it is remarkably hardy for such a tropical plant and even does well in pots or hanging baskets.