Soapbush

Miconia crenata

Native to:
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Central American Pacific Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Palau, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Melastomataceae
Genus:
Miconia
Species:
Miconia crenata
USDA Symbol:
CLHI3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

ebulealis (Ategumia ebulealis)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers organic matter-rich environments