Melastoma affine
Plant Number: 2
Common Name: Blue Tongue, Native Lasiandra
Scientific Name: Melastoma affine
Derivation of name
Melastoma – from Greek 'melas' black and 'stoma' mouth
affine – from latin ‘affinis’ close, similar
Description
- Understorey tree to 2 metres growing in moist areas
- Elliptical, hairy leaves with 5 prominent veins
- Flowers pale purple, 3 – 5 cm across, 5 petals
- It often appears in rainforest margins or in disturbed areas free from fire
- Fruit is a woody cone with approximately 100 woody follicles that contain winged seeds
- Hairy fruit with edible purple pulp which stains lips and tongue
Human uses
Edible fruit – a sweet, though sometimes bitter pulp that stains the mouth blue
Acknowledgment: Mangroves to Mountains, Wild Food Plants of Australia
Photo credit: Pancy Siam