Melastoma malabathricum aka Indian Rhododendron

Melastoma malabathricum belongs to the Melastomataceae family. It is a shrub that stays green all year. Some plants form small trees with a spreading shape. It grows wild in the Seychelles and tropical and subtropical Asia. Its native range reaches northern and eastern Australia too. People call it Indian rhododendron, Malabar gooseberry, and Singapore rhododendron. The RHS lists Melastoma affine as another scientific name. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Garden plants grow about 6.6–8.2 feet [2–2.5 metres] tall. Some reach 16.4 feet [5 metres], above the usual size. The plant keeps its leaves all year. Insects carry pollen between its flowers. The small, fleshy fruits hold orange seeds. Soft, dark blue pulp surrounds the seeds. Each fruit is about 0.02–0.04 feet [0.007–0.011 metres] long. People eat the fresh pulp when the fruit is fully ripe. It tastes sweet but leaves the mouth feeling slightly dry. People also eat young shoots as a vegetable, raw or cooked.

This species grows in a hot, wet tropical climate. Wild plants grow where people have disturbed the ground. They also grow on unused farms and in grassland. These sites range from sea level to upland areas. In gardens, it prefers rich soil with plenty of humus. The soil needs an open structure that drains well. Growers can raise new plants from fresh seed. The small seeds suit pots or a nursery seedbed. In trials, sun or light shade gave the best sprouting results. Some seeds sprouted within 10–15 days. More came up by day 30.

People grow this shrub for its looks. They also gather wild plants for food. In Malaysia, it serves as cover on rubber farms. Yet its spread can cause serious problems for farm crops. It can be a troublesome weed in pastures and pineapple fields. It also causes weed problems on farms growing oil palm. Farms growing rubber and coconut face these problems too. Other crops at risk include cassava and sugar cane. Tea and upland rice face weed problems as well. Its worth as a garden shrub comes with weed concerns.

In Asia, people use the leaves and roots in traditional medicine. Records list uses for gut problems, wound dressings, and swelling. These records show past practice, not proof of safe treatment. The fruit yields black or purple dye. Leaves and roots yield pink dye. Ash helps fix the dyes in place. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. This does not prove safety for every use or for pets.