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Mempoyan - Rhodamnia cinerea Jack - Myrtaceae
Synonym:
Other names:
General information:
Distinguish botanical characteristics:
Flowers – occur in clusters of 4 to 6 at leaf axil, fragrant, 4 to 5 white to cream petals, inferior ovary, has numerous stamens [1, 2]
Fruit – berry, turns green to red, then purple and black when ripe [2]
Uses:
Medicinal uses – poultice of the shoots – for burn wounds, leaves and roots decoctions are taken after childbirth [2, 3]
Fruit – edible, astringent, decoction – to treat ulcers and bleeding gums [2, 3]
Bark – black dye for tanning nets [3]
Wood – hard and durable, used as firewood, good quality charcoal, for house construction [3]
Others – suitable for landscaping roadsides, parks and gardens due to its ornamental flowers and leaves, also for reforestation [2]
Major/bioactive phytochemicals:
Leaf and stem – aqueous extract – myricitrin – reduction of glycemia
References:
[1] https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/4465
[2] https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/1/3102
[3] https://asianplant.net/Myrtaceae/Rhodamnia_cinerea.htm
[4] Imam et al., Sains Malaysiana (2017), 46(4), 589-595
SK & NMH, 2022
