Pink Lasiandra, Indian Rhododendron
Melastoma malabathricum

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

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.

There are about 90 Melastoma species. It can become a pest plant.

Where it is found

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.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Africa, Fiji, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pohnpei, Sarawak, Samoa, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yap

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They should not be eaten in excess amounts. The young sour leaves are eaten cooked with food.

The fruit are often eaten by children.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, flowers, roots

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds or offshoots. It can also be grown by cuttings.

In NE India fruit are available November to January.

Its other names

Local names

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;