SINGAPORE RHODODENDRON (Melastoma malabathricum)
One of the common plant you constantly encounter in Singapore is the Singapore Rhododendron. (also known as Sendudok in Malaysia). This name is rather misleading as it is neither a true rhododendron nor is it only confined to Singapore alone, since it can be found all over from nearby Malaysia right up to India and Australia. It is a native of Sri Lanka where it is popularly known as ‘Maha-bowitiya’. It was introduced into both Malaysia and Singapore where it now grows profusely as wild shrubs in the wastelands. The plant grows well in poor soil and rapidly colonizes wastelands thanks to birds that help disperse their seeds. It can reach a height of 1 to 2 meters. Leaves are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the stem, are usually hairy and have three prominent veins. It fruits and flowers throughout the year. The large bright pink or magenta flowers last only one day, opening after sunrise, closing the same day, with the petals falling off on the a few days later.There is also a species with white flowers, which are prized by the Chinese for its medicinal value. The fruits are small and maroon. The pulp of the ripe fruit is soft, dark purple, slightly sweetish and has many tiny seeds embedded in it. The fruits can be eaten raw but stains the tongue black. In fact, the word melastoma is Greek for "black mouth. It is even made into jam. In addition, the seeds are used to produce a black dye & the roots, a pink dye. The young leaves are eaten raw or cooked and taste sour. In some places, the leaves are fed to silkworms. The bark is utilized for treating dysentery and toothache. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, leucorrhoea, stomach-ache, thrush, and weeping sores from insect stings. The leaves can also be applied to cuts, painful arthritic joints, swelling and wounds too. The powdered leaves and roots may be applied onto haemorrhoids and wounds.The roots may be used as a mouth wash for toothache. The young shoots are edible.
The fruits are the favorites of birds like the flower peckers and doves which also disperse the seeds. Squirrels and monkeys are also fond of the fruits. The plant is the host for caterpillars of butterflies such as the Common Sailor (Neptis hylas) and the Grey Count (Tanaecia lepidea). Being among the first to colonize wasteland, the plant helps prevent soil erosion and allow regeneration of vegetation in such places.
Do you know…the popular Chinese diarrhea medicine, Poh Chai Pill is made out of the young leaves and shoots of the Singapore Rhododendron
The fruits are the favorites of birds like the flower peckers and doves which also disperse the seeds. Squirrels and monkeys are also fond of the fruits. The plant is the host for caterpillars of butterflies such as the Common Sailor (Neptis hylas) and the Grey Count (Tanaecia lepidea). Being among the first to colonize wasteland, the plant helps prevent soil erosion and allow regeneration of vegetation in such places.
Do you know…the popular Chinese diarrhea medicine, Poh Chai Pill is made out of the young leaves and shoots of the Singapore Rhododendron