Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree)

Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) blue flower cluster with pink leaf close up
Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) showing a tight cluster of blue petals near a pink leaf.

Botanical names: Memecylon ovatum, Memecylon edule var. ovatum

Common names: Ironwood Tree, Phlong Kin Luuk, Delek Air

Family: Melastomataceae

Origin: Southeast Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 10-11

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large bush or small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Blue, lavender, purple flowersFlower color: Blue, lavender, purple
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

A large shrub or small tree, up to 8-14m tall with amazing bright blue flowers that look almost unreal. As the petals are shed, the sands below are dusted lilac.Initially yellow fruits turn red and finally black. M. ovatum is sometimes regarded as a variety of Memecylon edule Roxb., but the latter species differs in having pink flowers, yellow fruits turning black, and small leaves. However, the species are very close. Probably the leaves contain a lot of aluminium as is commonly found in Melastomataceae. M. ovatum is very common on rocky and sandy shores. Leaves and roots are used as a medicine. In some sources Memecylon umbellatum is indicated as synonim of Memecylon ovatum.

Similar plants: Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree)


Memecylon ovatum red fruit in close up on a slender woody branch
Memecylon ovatum clusters of small round red fruit hanging from a branch.
Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) lime green fruit on branch, a detailed close up.
Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) lime green fruit clusters growing on thin woody branches.
Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) with small pale yellow fruit on thin brown branches close up
Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) with clusters of pale yellow fruit hanging from thin woody stems
Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) with green leaves and a central brown wooden support stake
Memecylon ovatum (Ironwood Tree) young foliage growing against a tall wooden support stake


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/memecylon_ovatum.htm
About Tropical Plant Encyclopedia · Pictogram Guide·