Red ironwood tree
Memecylon edule

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 23 m high. The leaves are opposite and simple. They are 10 cm long by 4 cm wide. They are oval. The flowers are blue to purple and 2 mm across. They are in bundles in the axils of leaves. The fruit are blue to purple and 8 mm long by 6 mm across. There are 1-2 seeds.

Also put in the family Memecylaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in a range of forest types including swamp forest. It grows up to 1,400 m above sea level. It is often on alluvial sites near rivers. It is usually on sandy soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten fresh or lightly boiled.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

In southern India the plants fruit in April to May.

Its other names

Local names

Alimara, Basing, Byin-gale, Delek air, Kayu besi, Kebesi, Lee-ko-kee, Me-byaung, Mi-nauk, Moc, Nipis kulit, Obar, Pak mead aer, Phlong dam, Phlong mueat, Pohon delek air, Pohon kebes, Telinga

Synonyms

Memecylon edule var. typica C. B. Cl. in Hook. f.;