Common name: Himalayan Melastome
Botanical name: Melastoma malabathricum subsp.normale Family: Melastomataceae (Melastome family)
Synonyms: Melastoma normale
Himalayan Melastome is a bristly haired shrub growing up to 5 m. Leaves are
broadly lance-like with 3 prominent parallel viens, and are bristly haired
beneath. Pinkish-mauve flowers, 5 cm across, occur in clusters at the end of
branches. Sepals are feathery-haired and long lance-like. The flowers have 5
obovate petals. Identifying feature are the 10 stamens, 5 long curved, with
purple anthers, and 5 short, with yellow anthers. Flowering is from March to
June.
| Photographed in Ngariyan Hill, Manipur. |
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