Melastoma

Melastoma
Melastoma
M. candidum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Melastoma
Blume
Species

See text

Melastoma is a genus in the family Melastomataceae. It has about 50 species distributed around Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. It is undergoing taxonomic revision. Many species have been planted around the world for the aesthetic value of their bright purple flowers. Several have the capacity to become weedy, and have become noxious weeds in Hawaii and other areas.

Species:

  • Melastoma affine - Blue Tongue, Native Lassiandra
  • Melastoma candidum - Asian melastome
  • Melastoma malabathricum – Singapore Rhododendron, Senduduk
  • Melastoma polyanthum B - used to make grass jelly (cincau perdu) in Indonesia
  • Melastoma sanguineum - Fox-tongued melastoma

Sources

Melastoma normale