Melastomataceae

Miconia crenata

Common Names: Kosters curse Synonyms: Clidemia hirta

Plant Form: Perennial shrub. Size: Up to 5 m tall, usually only to 2 m. Stem: Round, covered with stiff brown or reddish hairs. Leaves: Oval-shaped with finely-toothed edges. Bright green and shiny on top, lighter underneath. With prominent vein patterns and covered in stiff hairs. Flowers: White or pinkish with 5 petals. Fruit and Seeds: Reddish-purple berry ripening to black. 4-9 mm diameter. Containing up to 800 seeds. Habitat: Roadsides, urban bushland, fence lines, stream banks. Distinguishing Features: Native plant Blue tongue (Melastoma affine) has larger, purple flowers, and Asian melastome (M. candidum) has smooth edged leaves, along with purple flowers.