| Etymology | Genus | Black (Melas) mouth (stoma); the consumed berries stain one's mouth black |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Malabar Coast, India | |
| Family | Melastomataceae | |
| Synonyms | Melastoma affine D. Don, Melastoma cavaleriei H. Lév. & Vaniot | |
| Common Names | Singapore Rhododendron, Senduduk | |
| Status | Native: Common | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | Madagascar, India to Malesia, and Australia | |
Diagnostics:
Melastoma malabathricum is a very common shrub that can be found growing at open scrubland and forest edges. It can be distinguished from its tri-veined leaves and pink flowers.
Interesting Facts:
The flowers come in varying colours of dark purple, white, and pink (Corner, 1997); with the latter being the most commonly seen here.
Singapore Rhododendron clustering along a forest path.
Top and bottom view showing the tri-veined leaf.
Pink flower form.
Fruit.
References
Corner EJH. (1997) Wayside Trees of Malaya. Volume 2. 4th edition. The Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. 297 pp.
Author: Jake
Posted: 2014-01-22 / Modified: 2019-01-01