Melastoma malabathricum, Kadali, Kalam potti, Indian-rhododendron, കദളി, കലം പൊട്ടി

Family: Melastomataceae
Vernacular names: Kadali, Kalam potti, കദളി, കലം പൊട്ടി (Malayalam), Indian-rhododendron (English), Tinisah (Sanskrit), Shapti (Hindi), Kadalai (Tamil)
Distribution: South East Asia
Description: Shrubs. Leaves elliptic-oblong, base attenuate, apex acute. Flowers reddish-purple, solitary or few in rather dense clusters. Capsules ovoid, irregularly dehiscent; seeds many, minute.
Habit: Shrub
Habitat: Stream banks and marshy areas
Flowering & Fruiting: Throughout the year

Parts used: Bark and leaves
Properties & Uses: Leaves and shoots are used to treat wounds, post-natal care, and prevention of scars from small pox infection, stomach ulcers, dysentery and diarrhoea. Decoctions of the leaves and shoots have been reported to have anthelmintic and antispasmodic action. Aqueous root extracts is used to relieve toothaches. Crude extract used as an astringent for the treatment of diarrhoea and has also been used for post-partum haemorrhoids treatment.
Systems of Medicines: Ayurveda, Folk,
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