Miconia calvescens (Miconia)
Miconia calvescens (Miconia) with large dark green leaves growing in a black nursery pot
Botanical name: Miconia calvescens
Common names: Miconia, Velvet Tree
Family: Melastomataceae
Origin: Tropical America
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
USDA Zone: 9-10
Plant form: Large or medium tree
Mature height: 20 ft or more
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular
Flower color: Pink
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Foliage color: Ornamental foliage
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Invasive: Can spread quickly, needs controlThe tree can grow to a height of 15 meters and has very large leaves, each up to a meter in length. A purple leaf underside is the most easily recognizable feature, along with a velvety or shiny dark green color and three bold leaf veins. The hundreds of small, pink fruits each contain 150 seeds, and are attractive to fruit-eating birds, which spread the seeds great distances. Once it dispersed into the wet tropical forests it took hold vigorously, invaded any spot in the understory that received patches of sunlight, and became a noxious weed.
Similar plants: Miconia calvescens (Miconia)
Miconia calvescens (Miconia) with broad green leaves and rich purple undersides reaching towards the light
Miconia calvescens (Miconia) large glossy foliage with deep green tops and purple undersides in rain.
Miconia calvescens (Miconia) plant with large textured green leaves and dark purple undersides.
Miconia calvescens (Miconia) foliage with large dark green leaves visible on the plant.
Miconia calvescens (Miconia) with large, dark green, oval foliage and prominent parallel leaf vein texture.
Miconia calvescens (Miconia) plant showing large broad leaves with deep veins along the leaf surface.
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/miconia_calvescens.htm