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Melastoma polyanthum

(Native Lasiandra synonym for Melastoma affine)

Fam: MELASTOMATACEAE

Last updated 25 April 2006
77 secs at 56 k

Melastoma polyanthum grows as an erect spreading shrub which grows up to 2 metres in height with a coarse grey scaly stem. These photographs were taken in the Robin Falls-George Creek area west of Adelaide river.

It is also found throughout south east Asia and the Pacific. (Photo Mark Raines Robin Falls 10/2004)

Often found alongside a freshwater creek with Melaleuca species. It's ideal habitat appears to requires abundant water and protection from direct sun. (Photo Mark Raines Robin Falls 10/2004)

Brilliant purple flowers 4 to 8 cm across with protruding yellow stamens stand out against the bright green leaf make this plant stand out. (Photo Mark Raines Robin Falls 10/2004)

The leaves are opposite with coarse hairs found on both sides with three prominent longitudinal veins being obvious in this photograph. (Photo Mark Raines Robin Falls 10/2004)

Details of the prominent yellow stamens. (Photo Mark Raines Robin Falls 10/2004)

These are the edible fruit of Melastoma which along with the roots were used a bush tucker for Aboriginal people. The fruit becomes grey-black when ripe and contains purple pulp full of small black seeds. The fruit has a pleasant taste and leaves a dark stain in the mouth.
Plants can be grown from either fresh seed or cuttings. (Photo Mark Raines Robin Falls 10/2004)

Other Melastoma polyanthum information

From: Flora and Fauna of Ecuador: Melastoma plants occur mostly in the subtropical and tropical regions and they can be easily recognized by their special veined leaves. Often they are little shrubs and their flowers occur in many colours. Some photos of different varieties of Melastoma sp.

Liu, S. R. et al. (1986). A study of the chemical constituents of Melastoma polyanthum. Bull. Chin. Mater. Med. 11(12), 746-747.

From: The tree and shrub genera Of Borneo

MELASTOMATACEAE of the world

The goal of this website is to provide a centralized clearinghouse for information about the Melastomataceae. Included herein are pages providing images, descriptions of various groups, current research around the world, bibliographic references, phylogenetics, melastomatologists, and other topics.

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