Food Plants International - Plant Fact Sheets Melastoma malabathricum

Edible: Leaves, Fruit, Flowers, Roots

An evergreen shrub. It grows about 2 m high. The branches are nearly four angled. They are densely covered with scales. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 3.5-10 cm long by 1.4-3 cm wide. They are broadly sword shaped. They have hairs on the upper surface and a few underneath. The flowers are purple. The fruit is oval with a blunt end. The pulp of the fruit is red.

A tropical plant. It suits the hot, wet tropical lowlands. In Nepal it grows between 200-1600 m altitude. In Yunnan in China it grows below 1800 m altitude. It grows in secondary forest. It needs regular moisture and humidity. It grows in wetlands. It needs fertile, well-drained soil. It needs an acid pH. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Common Names: Pink Lasiandra, Indian Rhododendron, Akysanyi, Amkerki, Amlalas, Angeri, Asom, Augeri, Baksi, Ban-tejpata, Baynhenh, Bebei, Beyo, Bi bi nan nan, Bik bik, Bit-bit, Bol-kakkhia, Bre, Bu zhang yang, Choulisy, Dagaday, Daidassa, Dai-hitae, Datranga, Dayyamchettu, Di-sengn, Dieng-soh-khing, Dovedove, Doy oppu, Gongai, Guo gao, Harendog, Harendong, Kadu-du, Kajirai, Kakku, Kalampatti, Katokanmuela, Kemunting, Kengjang, Khlong-khleng-khii-nok, Khusim, Kluruk, Koroti, Kyet-gale, Linda-pabyin, Ma bowitiya, Malabar gooseberry, Malatangaw, Mang kre, Mang re, Moegalo, Mua la be, Myetpye, Nakkukaruppan, Nyaung-ye-o-pan, Palore, Pattuda, Phutkala, Phutki, Phutuka, Phutkola, Re, Sahkao, Sekedudok, Selngang, Seludok, Sendudok, Senggani, Shame, Sikaduduak, Sikaduduk, Singapore Rhododendron, Tagad-ay, Taitung, Tekai-chi, Thothkala, Thulo anyar, Thung khu, Tingku, Tulasi, Tungbram, Wachyang, Wagangga, Yagaidian

Synonyms: Melastoma affine D. Don;
Melastoma candida D. Don;
Melastoma cavaleriei H. Lev. & Vaniot;
Melastoma esquirolii H. Lev.;
Melastoma normale D. Don;
Melastoma polyanthum Blume;