Melastoma malabathricum L.

 

        Scientific Name: Melastoma malabathricum L.

Family: Melastomataceae

Synonym: Melastoma malabathricum var. polyanthum Benth.

Vernacular name: Athirani,Kadali,Kalampotti,Kalathi,Thodukkara

Habit: Shrub

Habitat: Grasslands, scrub jungles, thickets, open forests, bamboo forests, trailsides Distribution: South and South East Asia East Asia to Western Australia 

Flowering and Fruiting: February-August

Key identification features: It is a shrub with with stems are densely covered with paleaceous pectinate hairs. The leaves are elliptic-oblong. The flowers of this shrub are either solitary or occur in dense clusters. The petals are reddish-purple. The stamens are number 10, with alternating large and small ones. Fruit is capsules and is long, ovoid in shape.

 

Tribal Consumers: Kuruma

 

Uses: Melastoma malabathricum has various important uses in traditional medicine. The leaves and fruits are often used to treat ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin infections due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the fruit is rich in antioxidants, making it beneficial for overall health and wellness.