Medinilla Magnificia Mandala with Cecropia Pods and Mangosteens

Pink Chandelier flowers cascade down from the branches of a large shrub native to the Philippines also know as Showy Medinilla or Rose Grape as they have bunches of small “dingleberries” that resemble bunches of tiny grapes. They grow rampantly as an invasive species in rainforests in Hawaii such as the Wao Kele that surrounds where I reside. They are highly sought out by plant collectors as they produce blossoms in various hues from bright pink to lavender and dark blue-purple.

The undersides of the thick curved leaves are pale pinkish and I used them to form the circle made on moss with frosty cecropia pods and pale yellow florescence encircling the pink blossoms and tiny clusters of berries. In the center is a clump of dark dried moss sprouting a leafy shoot with a few deep purple mangosteen fruits native to Southeast Asia  where they are highly prized for the creamy and juicy texture and peachy-strawberry-lychee flavor. They grow locally on the Big Island and are highly nutritious offering antioxidants in a delicious bite. The last touch was to add some orange wild orchid blossoms.