Memecylon umbellatum


Memecylon umbellatum, commonly known as ironwood, anjani, or alli, is a small tree found in India, the Andaman islands and the coastal region of the Deccan. It is also found in Sri Lanka, where it is called blue mist, kora-kaha and kurrikaya. The leaves contain a yellow dye, a glucoside, which is used for dyeing the robes of Buddhist monks and for colouring reed mats. Medicinally, the leaves are said to have anti-diarrhoeal properties.. Historically, this plant was burnt as fuel in the production of Wootz steel.

Names

It is a large shrub or small tree. Its bark and branches are very hard. That is why it is called Ironwood. Leaves are simple, opposite type. Leaves contain glucose. Flowers are blue coloured and produced in cymose umbels. The fruit is round berry bluish-black in colour. Flowering time is February to March.