Melastomataceae
Clidemia hirta
Koster's curse
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
A perennial shrub, typically growing 0.5 to 3 metres tall, but can reach up to 5 metres in moist, shaded conditions. Its stems are covered in reddish-brown bristly hairs, and its ovate, hairy leaves feature 5-7 prominent veins, giving them a pleated appearance. Small white or pinkish flowers develop into hairy, round, bluish-black berries, 4-9 mm in diameter, which are edible and contain numerous tiny seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
This robust shrub thrives in humid tropical climates with over 1200 mm annual rainfall, tolerating both full sun and shade, though often found in partial shade. It rapidly colonises disturbed sites like roadsides, forest edges, and streambanks, forming dense stands.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species that benefits from consistent moisture, though it exhibits drought tolerance once established. It flowers and fruits continuously in ideal wet conditions, producing abundant seeds that remain viable in the soil for years. Caution: It is a highly invasive species known to form dense thickets, outcompeting native vegetation, and its bristly hairs can cause skin irritation.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: iucngisd.org, wikipedia.org, nsw.gov.au, drdoughlittle.com, cabidigitallibrary.org, wildlifeofhawaii.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.