Malaysian Orchid | Rose Grape Flower Coconut Palms The Ficus elastica 'Tineke'

The Ficus elastica 'Tineke'

attractive foliage

The shell of the kernal contains a thick caustic oil which can cause severe burns and skin irritation on contact

topiary work or for planting out to create low-growing hedges

The leaves of the young palms can have a red or orange tint turning deep green as it matures

Malaysian Orchid | Rose Grape Flower Coconut Palms The Ficus elastica 'Tineke'Medinilla myriantha, often called the 'Malaysian Orchid' is not actually an orchid and nor is it from Malaysia (its endemic to the Phillipines). In its natural habitat it is semi epiphytic so it definitely requires very porous, free draining soil. It sports large, broad lush leaves and puts on a fabulous flower show in late NZ's late autumn, with dangling panicles of beautiful small pinky purple 'grapes' hence its other common name; the Rose Grape