Phyllagathis rajah

Phyllagathis rajah is a small plant of the Melastome family (Melastomataceae) native to Borneo. It grows as a terrestrial plant in shady, permanently damp areas of the rainforest. The leaves have the veining typical of melastomes, which gives them a quilted surface. They are round and only slightly pointed, and can reach a diameter of approximately 10 to 15 cm. Overall, the plant can reach a diameter of 20 to 30 cm.

What is particularly striking about P. rajah is, of course, the stunning leaf pattern. The dark leaf is cut through by silver longitudinal stripes and adorned with pink hairs. It truly lives up to its name (“rajah” – king/ruler). One of the most beautiful terrarium plants.

Phyllagathis rajah forms numerous so-called ‘pearl bodies’ on all parts of the plant, but especially on the undersides of the leaves. These are nutrient-rich, solid excretions that look like small pearls and are eaten by ants in the wild. The ants specifically seek out plants with pearl bodies and defend them – a classic example of symbiosis. Pearl bodies should be removed regularly, as (without the ants) they can accumulate on the plant and go mouldy.

The inflorescences consist of dozens of bright pink flowers, arranged very closely together, with white stamens.

Phyllagathis rajah grows rather slowly.

You will receive a young plant in a 6 cm pot, with 2 to 4 leaves. We grow the young plants under (relatively) strong light to encourage faster growth. As a result, they are not (yet) fully coloured. The colouration only develops in low light and as the plant grows larger.