Narrow Spiked Miconia
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(Miconia stenostachya)
Narrow Spiked Miconia (Miconia stenostachya)
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Andrés Ramírez-Barrera
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Andrés Ramírez-Barrera
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Andrés Ramírez-Barrera | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Andrés Ramírez-Barrera | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-10-15T16:41:44-07:00 |
Summary
Miconia stenostachya, commonly known as Narrow Spiked Miconia, is a tree native to the understory of tropical rainforests in Mexico, Central and South America. It exhibits a moderate growth rate and typically reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) with a similar spread. The Narrow Spiked Miconia has a distinctive appearance with large, velvety leaves that are dark green on top and purple underneath. Its white flowers bloom profusely in the spring and summer, creating a striking contrast against the foliage. The flowers are followed by purple berries that are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
This species is valued for its ornamental foliage and flowers, which make it a suitable choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used as a specimen plant or in mixed borders. In cultivation, Narrow Spiked Miconia thrives in part shade. It prefers medium draining loam soils and benefits from regular mulching to maintain soil moisture. While it is not commonly known for significant pest or disease issues, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and requires good air circulation to minimize fungal problems. Gardeners should be aware of its spreading potential and plant it with care.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is valued for its ornamental foliage and flowers, which make it a suitable choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used as a specimen plant or in mixed borders. In cultivation, Narrow Spiked Miconia thrives in part shade. It prefers medium draining loam soils and benefits from regular mulching to maintain soil moisture. While it is not commonly known for significant pest or disease issues, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and requires good air circulation to minimize fungal problems. Gardeners should be aware of its spreading potential and plant it with care.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 6-15 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Understory of tropical rainforests in Mexico, Central and South America
Other Names
Common Names: Narrow Spiked Miconia
Scientific Names: Miconia stenostachya, Acinodendron stenostachyum, Melastoma fastigiatum, Melastoma fastigiatum, Melastoma holosericeum, Melastoma holosericeum, Melastoma stenostachyum, Miconia hypargyrea, Tamonea stenostachya
GBIF Accepted Name: Miconia stenostachya