Question 1

What is Melastoma malabathricum used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan Ayurvedic and folk medicine, different parts of Melastoma malabathricum are used to treat wounds, skin conditions, diarrhoea, and dysentery. The leaves and roots are most commonly prepared as decoctions or topical applications. Its high tannin content is thought to be responsible for much of its astringent and wound-healing activity.

Question 2

What does Melastoma malabathricum look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a spreading shrub, typically one to three metres tall, with oval leaves covered in fine hairs and three to seven prominent veins. Its most distinctive feature is its large, five-petalled flowers in shades of deep pink to purple. The fruits are small, dark purplish-black berries that stain the mouth when eaten.

Question 3

Where can Melastoma malabathricum be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant grows widely across Sri Lanka's wet and intermediate zones, particularly along forest edges, roadsides, and disturbed ground from lowland areas up to mid elevations. It is frequently seen near tea estates and along paths in areas like Sinharaja and the hill country. Its tolerance for poor soils makes it one of the more adaptable native shrubs.

Question 4

Are the fruits of Melastoma malabathricum edible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the berries are edible, though they are strongly astringent and will stain the mouth and teeth a vivid purple-blue colour. They are sometimes consumed in folk contexts and are a food source for birds, which help disperse the seeds. They are not a mainstream food item but are well known to rural communities throughout the plant's range.

Question 5

Has Melastoma malabathricum been studied scientifically?

Accepted Answer

Yes, researchers across Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and India have published studies identifying flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in the plant and demonstrating antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in laboratory settings. However, formal human clinical trials are limited, so its medicinal uses should be approached as traditional knowledge supported by preliminary science rather than fully validated clinical treatments.

Question 6

What family does Melastoma malabathricum belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the Melastomataceae family, a large family of flowering plants predominantly found in tropical regions. The family is characterised by leaves with multiple parallel veins and stamens of two different lengths, both features visible in Melastoma malabathricum.

Question 7

What is the Sinhala name for Melastoma malabathricum?

Accepted Answer

The plant is known in Sinhala as Bovitiya or Maha Bovitiya. The name is widely recognised across Sri Lanka's rural communities and reflects the plant's long-standing presence in local landscapes and healing traditions.