Malabar melastome or the Indian Rhododendron is often confused with the Purple Glory. The former is botanically known as Melastoma malabathricum, whereas, the later is known as Tibuchina granulosa.
Both are belonged to Melastomataceae family. The stem, leaf and flower are almost look similar between these two species, but they have clear difference for stamen.
In case of Melastoma malabarthricum, stamens are yellow in color, and filaments are shorter compared to Tibuchina granulosa. The stamens of Tibuchina are white colored, with longer filament.
Melastoma malabarthricum A.K.A. Indian Rhododenron is a weed, or grows naturally in forests, hilly areas. But Tibuchina granulosa A.K.A. Begum Bahar A.K.A. Purple Glory is considered as a ornamental plant.
Bengali Name: দাতরাংগা, লুটকি, বনতেজপাতা
Family: Melastomataceae
Date taken: February, 2023
Place taken: Bijoypur, Netrokona, Bangladesh
