| Common Classification |
| Common Names | Melastoma, Blue Tongue, Rhododendron, Lassiandra, Starry Osbeckia |
| Name in Sinhalese | Bovitiya, Ma Bovitiya, Wel Bovitiya |
| Categories | Herbs, Shrubs |
| Scientific Classification |
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Genus | Melastoma |
| Species | M.polyanthum |
| Scientific Name | Melastoma polyanthum |
| Status |
| Culinary / Edible | Yes | Low | Fruits |
| Use as Medicament | Yes | Low | Leaves, Bark |
| Poisoned / Toxin | No | | |
| Description | The Osbeckia octandra, Melastomataceae of family Small evergreen tree about 1 to 2 meters tall, has dark green simple leaves with beautiful purple flowers with yellow middle about 5-6 cm wide with 5 petals. It is native to Sri Lanka and India and Naturalize in Australia. In Sri Lanka, the plant can be found on close to water streams, and sideways of paddy fields. Also found as hybrids on home garden as a ornamental plant. |
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| Related species | Osbeckiya stellata - Mal Bovitiya (Hybrid)
Osbeckiya octandra - Heen Bovitiya (wild) |
Melastoma polyanthum- Bovitiya
Flower of Melastoma, Blue Tongue or Melastoma polyanthum- Bovitiya
Melastoma polyanthum- Bovitiya Leaves
Melastoma polyanthum- old leaves turn bright orange
Ripe Melastoma Fruits (Blue tongue)
Melastoma Fruits