Meriania Nobilis

Meriania nobilis is a spectacular evergreen tree from the cool cloud forests of the Colombian Andes. Large glossy leaves with deeply impressed veins frame clusters of extraordinary violet to purple flowers, each displaying contrasting red structures and prominent golden anthers. The blooms are adapted to native pollinators and can appear in repeated flushes under humid, mild conditions. Known locally as amarrabollo, this rare Melastomataceae makes a magnificent conservatory specimen. It needs acidic humus, bright filtered light, constant moisture and cool nights rather than tropical heat.