Melastoma malabathricum
Family: MELASTOMATACEAE
Local Name: Senduduk (Malay) Lingangadi (Murut); Gosing-gosing, Gagabang, Ngongodo, Gata-gata (Kadazandusun)
BOTANICAL DISCRIPTION: An erect shrub or small tree about 1 m tall but may grow up to 3m tall. Leaves elliptic 4-11cm long and 1.3- 4cm wide, 5-7 nerved, leaf stalks 5-12 mm long. Inflorescences 2-7 flowered, pedicels 10-12 mm long. Berries 10-15 mm long, 5-celled. This showy shrub is commonly found in open areas and the seeds are dispersed by birds.
HABITAT: Open land from sea level to about 900 m above sea level.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USES: The leaves are used to treat diarrhea and dysentery (1). It also can be used to cure cuts and wounds. The whole plants used to reduce high blood preasure (2). Mouthwash used to relieve a toothache can also be made from roots. The root can be given to women after child birth to aid healing and womb strengthening or to alleviate rheumatism, arthritis and tenderness in the legs(3).
OTHER USES: The young leaves are eaten raw or cooked and taste sour. The pulp around the seeds is also edible. The seeds are used to produce a black dye, and the roots a pink dye. In some places, the leaves are used to feed silkworms. This plant is also cultivated as an ornamental shrub.
CHEMICAL CONTENT: Tannins and flavonoids.
By: Julius Kulip & Julius Kodoh
Link:
http://www.sandakanrfp.sabah.gov.my/medicinal%20plants.htm
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