Family: Melastomataceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Medinilla multiflora, commonly known as Malaysian grapes, Malaysian orchid, or malasamiling, is a tropical flowering shrub native to the Philippines. It is valued as an ornamental plant for its attractive glossy foliage, cascading clusters of pink to reddish flowers, and colorful berry-like fruits that resemble small grapes. This species is commonly cultivated in tropical gardens and shaded landscapes, where it is appreciated for its lush appearance and decorative flowers and fruits. It is also sometimes grown in botanical collections and specialty gardens because of its striking tropical aesthetic.

Risks & Threats
Although Medinilla multiflora is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern and which could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. Species in the Medinilla genus may produce abundant fruits that can be dispersed by birds and other animals, increasing the potential for spread into natural areas. In favorable tropical climates, ornamental plants with efficient seed dispersal and shade tolerance can establish outside cultivation and compete with native vegetation. Because Hawaii’s ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to invasive species, continued caution and monitoring are warranted for this species. When possible, choosing a low risk or native alternative is recommended, especially for landscaping near natural or sensitive habitats.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Medinilla species have become invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Pollinated by generalist insects
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Small seed size may facilitate accidental dispersal

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of cultivation outside native range (other than as an indoor house plant)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Ornamental value
  
• Grows predominantly as an epiphyte, and any potential impacts may be limited to competition with the native epiphytic biota of a region (i.e. unlikely to transform the fundamental structure of an ecosystem)