Hairy berry
Melastoma normale

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A shrub. It can be several metres high. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The branches are densely shaggy. The stems have a reddish tinge. The leaves have short stalks. The leaves are sword shaped and taper to the tip. They are hairy on both surfaces. There are 3 veins. The flowers are pink to purple. They occur in clusters. They have 5 petals.

There are about 90 Melastoma species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 900-1800 m altitude. It grows in sunny areas of open forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Nepal, New Caledonia, Northeastern India, Pacific, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw.

They are not commonly eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds ?, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or root offshoots.

Its other names

Local names

Chulesi, Kali angeri, Ah-luang, Mua, Tughaloji shedu, Yang er ba cui

Synonyms

Melastoma malabaricum L.; Melastoma nepalensis Loddiges; Melastoma wallichii DC;