Distribution: Originally from Tropical America; now widespread in the tropics
Description: Shrubs or trees. Leaves alternate, ovate, subcordate or truncate at base, long-acuminate at apex, densely red-dotted. Inflorescence a terminal corymb or panicle. Flowers whitish-rose. Capsules globose or broadly ovoid, truncate at base; seeds obpyramidal, ca 5 x 4-5 mm, orange-red.
Habit: Tree
Habitat: Grown as ornamental plant
Flowering & Fruiting: June-November
Parts used: Leaves, flowers and fruit
Properties & Uses: Anti-dysenteric, diuretic, febrifuge and digestive. The fruit pulp is used for the treatment of epilepsy, kidney and skin diseases. The seeds are used to treat gonorrhoea and the seed oil is used to treat leprosy. Flowers used for the treatment of intermittent fevers, gonorrhoea and dysentery. Seeds are used as a mosquito repellent.