About Melastoma malabathricum L.
Habitat and Elevation Range
Melastoma malabathricum L. grows wild across a wide range of soil types, at elevations ranging from sea level up to 3000 meters.
Growth Form and Size
It is an erect, freely flowering shrub that reaches an approximate height of 3 meters.
Stem Characteristics
This branched plant has reddish stems covered in bristly scales and minute hairs.
Leaf Morphology
Its leaves are simple, elliptic lanceolate with a rounded base, growing up to 7 cm long, with three distinct main veins running from the leaf base to the apex.
Inflorescence Structure
Flowers are produced on short terminal cymes, with flower clusters 2 to 8 cm across.
Flower Coloration
Flower colors include pink, violet, and mauve.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruit is a berry; when ripe, it splits irregularly to expose its soft, dark blue pulp and orange seeds.
