Melastoma Flower

Did you know

• The genus name Melastoma means 'black mouth' in Greek, because the dark purple berries stain the mouth and teeth black when eaten.
• It blooms almost continuously year-round in tropical climates, producing new flowers daily.
• The berries are sweet and edible, and are a favorite of birds that help spread the seeds across the landscape.
• Each flower has two types of stamens: showy purple ones that attract pollinators and smaller yellow ones that provide the pollen.
• In traditional Malay medicine, the leaves are used as a poultice for wounds and the roots are boiled to treat diarrhea.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental shrub
• traditional medicine
• edible fruit
• natural dye