Ironwood tree - Memecylon umbellatumAlso referred to as Delek Air tree, Memecylon umbellatum (M

Ironwood tree - Memecylon umbellatum

Also referred to as Delek Air tree, Memecylon umbellatum (Myrtales - Melastomataceae), is a large shrub or small tree, up to 8-14m tall, that produces showy clusters of amazing bright purple flowers, about 1 cm each.

This tree, which can be found in Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, is not only beautiful, but also useful since it has several traditional and pharmacological uses. It provides hard timber used for building houses and boats, and a yellow dye can be extracted from the leaves and the bark that is used to treat bruises and various ailments. 

References: [1] - [2] - [3]

Photo credit: Photo credit: ©Nuwan Chathuranga | Locality: Sri Lanka (2014)