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Memecylon umbellatum
A large shrub or small tree, up to 8-14m tall with amazing bright blue flowers that look almost unreal. Delek air produces showy clusters of tiny purple flowers, about 1cm each. The trees bloom once or twice a year, and are then indeed a beautiful sight. As the flower petals are shed, the sand and rocks below are dusted in mauve. The fruits are small (about 1cm) and are green, turning red then black as they ripen. The tree has a thin bark, so it is sometimes also called 'Nipis kulit' or 'thin-skinned' in Malay. Delek air belongs to the same family as the more familiar Singapore Rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum) This tree is not only beautiful, but also useful. It provides hard timber used for building houses and boats. A yellow dye can be extracted from the leaves and the bark is used to treat bruises.
Sand dunes
15 Comments
Thank you SukanyaDatta
Such lovely flowers.
Thanks everyone!
Spectacular spotting, Nuwan !
So pretty!
Spectacular colours! Nice photos Nuwan :)
That is so beautiful! It's so cool to see all these unique plants. I love the picture and the descrpition! Thanks for sharing!
Tank you Viv, Cris!
@Viv, yes yours is Memecylon umbellatum too
What a beautiful thing!
This is mine Nuwan - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/124...
Oh Nuwan I am so pleased I saw this spotting of yours. I think I have the same plant ,but not such clear images, as I could not close enough. I searched for an ident and eventually decided it must be a Callicarpa, although did'nt feel 100% happy. Now I know it's not .. thank you!
Thank you venus!
WOW! such a gorgeous flower!
Thanks Jopy!
Wow, wonderful!