Ironwood tree, Bayan tree
Memecylon ovatum
Family: Melastomataceae
What it is like
A small tree without hairs. It grows 14 m tall. The leaves are rough and opposite. They are oblong to oval and pointed at both ends. The flowers are borne in the axils of leaves or at the end of twigs. They are blue or purple. They are 7 mm across and have a faint scent. The fruit is round and a one seeded berry. It can be red or purple.
Also put in the family Memecylaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They are common in areas of shrub at low altitudes especially near the seashore in the Philippines.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand
How it is used for food
The fruit are edible.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Kulis, Pohon bayan, Pohon kalis