About Medinilla speciosa (Reinw. ex Blume) Blume
Medinilla speciosa (Reinw. ex Blume) Blume is an evergreen shrub that reaches an average height of 45–60 centimetres (18–24 in). It has woody branched stems and opposite leathery green leaves that can grow up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long and 15 centimetres (5.9 in) wide, with prominent visible veins. Its small, delicate bright pink flowers grow in large panicles on hanging reddish stems. The flowering period runs from early summer to fall. After blooming finishes, a hanging raceme of eye-catching berries remains on the plant for approximately one month, before the plant blooms again. These rounded berries start out pink and turn purple-blue when ripe, which gives the species its common common name Showy Asian Grapes. This plant is used in traditional medicine; it may be boiled, brewed, or consumed directly. Its fruits are eaten by pregnant women as a health supplement, and the plant is also used to treat diarrhea and mouth sores, as well as being used as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial treatment. This species occurs naturally in Borneo, Java, and the Philippines. In Borneo, it can be found at Kinabalu in the Malaysian portion of the island. Its full broader distribution also includes peninsular Malaysia (Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor), Sumatra, the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Lombok), Sulawesi, and the Moluccas. It is typically found in mountain forests, where it prefers shaded areas and moist soils. It grows at elevations between 300 metres (980 ft) and 750 metres (2,460 ft) above sea level.
