Indian-rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum, Sp. Pl.: 390 (1753))

Family: Melastomataceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 390 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Melastoma

Vegetable: False

Observations: Seychelles, Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to N. & E. Australia

Description

The Indian-rhododendron, scientifically known as Melastoma malabathricum, is a versatile and hardy plant widely found across the Seychelles, tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, extending all the way to northern and eastern Australia. It belongs to the Melastomataceae family, a group encompassing numerous species known for their intricate floral structures and adaptive capabilities.

First documented in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work, Species Plantarum (1753), Melastoma malabathricum has captured the interest of botanists and horticultural enthusiasts alike. This plant is celebrated not only for its striking appearance but also for its resilience and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions.

The Indian-rhododendron is notable for its vibrant and captivating blooms, which can range from deep magenta to soft purples, creating a striking contrast against its lush green foliage. The flowers generally have a star-like shape with multiple petals, making them a visual delight in any landscape. Besides their aesthetic appeal, these flowers play a vital role in the plant’s reproduction, attracting a variety of pollinators.

In addition to its ornamental uses, Melastoma malabathricum is also recognized for its traditional medicinal properties. Various parts of the plant, including its leaves and roots, have been used in folk medicine practices to alleviate ailments such as inflammation, wounds, and infections. This medicinal application underscores the plant’s importance in local cultures and traditional health practices.

The Indian-rhododendron thrives in a variety of environments ranging from tropical rainforests to more arid regions, showcasing significant ecological flexibility. It typically prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and clearings, where it quickly establishes itself and comes into bloom.

Overall, Melastoma malabathricum embodies the rich diversity and adaptability of the Melastomataceae family. Its widespread presence, coupled with both aesthetic and practical benefits, make it a valuable plant in both natural and cultivated settings. Whether admired for its botanical beauty or its healing properties, the Indian-rhododendron continues to be a plant of significant interest and utility.

Common Names

Eng: indian-rhododendron, malabar melastome
Swe: malabarbuske
En: Indian-rhododendron, Malabar melastome, Asian melastome, ကောန်မှေအ်၊ တၞံ, Bank’s Melastoma, Banks melastoma
As: ফুটুকলা
Bn: দাঁতরাঙা
Zh: 基尖葉野牡丹
Ml: കലദി
Fa: ملاستوما مالاباتریکام
Ru: Меластома малабарская
Sv: Malabarbuske
Zh-tw: 基尖葉野牡丹
Th: โคลงเคลง
Vi: Mua đa hùng

Synonyms

• Melastoma polyanthum (Blume)
• Melastoma malabathricum var. polyanthum (Benth.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Kaushik Kumar Mech (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Bernard Suprin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Longmei Athemei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2021 by Planter King (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Mar 30, 2019 by Pramudya Prakarsa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Ria H (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Arthur cooke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Lito Martinez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2022 by amendra samantilake (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2020 by zaihan zaidi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 23, 2019 by siviero sophia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2021 by Sepulchre Frédéric (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2016 by Sumit Bhowmick (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Franc-Christophe BAURENS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Zeliha Karakoca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2020 by Planter King (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 25, 2019 by Christophe Tardy (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:570989-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188511)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Melastoma malabathricum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth