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Memecylon
umbellatum Burm.f.
Synonym : Memecylon edule Roxb.
Family
: Melastomaceae
Local Names
: Kayampoomaram, Anjanamaram,
Ironwood tree
Flowering
and fruiting period:
February – March
Distribution: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka
Habitat: Semi-evergreen, shola and moist deciduous
forests, also in the plains
IUCN
status:
Data Deficient
Endemic: Yes
Uses: Fruits edible. Provides good-quality charcoal and
fuelwood. Heavy hardwood used as poles, beams and rafters in house construction
and temporary structures, also used to make boats, paddles, furniture,
household utensils, tool handles and walking sticks. Timber is of good-quality,
but economic utilization restricted by the plants' often poor form and relative
scarcity. Root decoction used to treat menstrual irregularities. Leaf
infusion used as astringent lotion for eye inflammation.
Key
Characters:
Large shrubs. Leaves ovate-oblong or elliptic, base
cuneate, apex obtuse to rounded, coriaceous, drying yellowish green.
