Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Melastomataceae

Genus:

Microlicia

Species:

Microlicia phlogiformis

USDA Symbol:

TRPH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

100 cm

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

pink, magenta

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to Brazilian campo rupestre and cerrado habitats where periodic fire occurs; resprouts from woody base after burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky, high-altitude regions