“Malasamiling” Medinilla myriantha
Scientific name: Medinilla myriantha Merr. Family: Melastomataceae Local name: malasamiling (Tag.) English name: Malaysian orchid Description: A semi-epiphytic shrub with single stem, growing to 3 m. Leaves are broad ovate, with pointed apex and prominent veins arising from the base. Inflorescence is triangular in outline and pendulous, 20 to 30 cm long, without enlarged bracts. Flowers are small, light to dark pink. Fruits are ovoid, turning violet in color, in clusters.
Distribution: Philippines: Laguna, Rizal,Bataan , Negros, Panay. Endemic. This shrub is one of the most popular Medinilla species cultivated in gardens throughout the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and in other gardens in SE Asia
Habitat: It grows naturally in remnant primary forests and secondary forests at low altitudes in the Philippines.In gardens it prefers moist and well-drained soil and high humidity.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable. This plant is becoming rare in its native habitat due to overcollection for the ornamental trade.
Taxonomic notes: This plant is sometimes referred to as Medinilla cumingii, which is an unresolved name in The Plant List. There are more than 120 species of Medinilla in the Philippines most of them are endemic.The genus is named in honor of Jose de Medinilla y Pineda, once governor of the Mariana Islands (Guam and etc.)
Propagation:.By cuttings from growing points of young shoots and by seeds.
Note: M. myriantha is erroneously called “Malaysian orchid” in the horticulture trade. The English name is actually erroneous because the species is not an orchid, nor did it originate in Malaysia. There are several cultivars grown in the Philippines including ‘Pink Pixie’ etc.This plant is allied to M. magnifica but without enlarged bracts.
Ommission here rectified for past issue of Native Plants: Ampelocissus
madulidii,(Vitaceae). Philippine Star, Philippine Gardens, May 5, 2018. Photo was taken by DaniloTandang to whom the author is most thankful for sharing his photo.
For further information please contact: madulid.d@gmail.com