Melastoma affine (Blue Tongue)
 
Australian Native Shrub | Wildlife Friendly | Edible Bushfood
 
Bring vibrant colour and biodiversity into your garden with Melastoma affine, commonly known as Blue Tongue. This beautiful Australian native shrub produces striking purple-pink flowers followed by deep blue-purple berries that temporarily stain the tongue a vivid blue making it a favourite with both children and wildlife.
Naturally occurring in the forests and coastal regions of eastern Australia,
 
Melastoma affine thrives in well-drained soils and enjoys full sun to part shade. Once established, it is relatively hardy and rewards gardeners with an extended flowering season that attracts native bees, butterflies and other important pollinators.
 
The edible berries have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into jams, desserts and native-inspired recipes. Dense foliage also provides valuable shelter and nesting habitat for small birds and beneficial insects.
 
Whether you're creating a bushfood garden, restoring native habitat or simply adding a splash of colour to your landscape, Melastoma affine is a beautiful species that supports both people and nature.
 
Plant Details
Botanical Name: Melastoma affine
Common Name: Blue Tongue
Plant Type: Native evergreen shrub
Height: 1–1.5 m
Width: 0.6–1.5 m
Position: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy and loamy conditions
Water: Moderate; water regularly while establishing
Flowers: Large vibrant purple-pink blooms over an extended season
Edible: Yes – ripe berries are edible
Wildlife Value: Excellent for native bees, butterflies, birds and beneficial insects
 
Available in 50 mm forest tubes.
At Talulah, we grow Australian native plants to help create thriving habitats, reconnect people with nature, and support resilient ecosystems—one garden at a time.