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Blue Tongue

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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



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Last reviewed 10 March 2021
Last updated 10 March 2021