Hantutuknaw is also known as Mala-tungaw, Singapore Rhododendron, Indian Rhododendron and Malabar Melastome.
A flowering plant belong to Melastomataceae family.
Hantutuknaw is like a shrubs and considered weeds (sagbot),nmost of the islanders does'nt care about this plant.
As shown in the photos Hantuknaw has a purple beautiful flower, it also has a purple fruit and taste sweet. -The fruit is edible, it colors the teeth and tounge but it can be washed of easily.
-The leaves can be use as a scrubs in kitchen utensils, use as toothbrush also.
In my further research some people in Mindanao is also use the leaves as cure of stomach ache problem. -The flower is very attractive to butterflies, various butterfly species will visit during flowering season. In Singapore young leaves is edible as well, use also to treat stomach problems, leaves are crushed and applied from leech bites.
(marabou)
Da-at (Cyperaceae: Scleria scrobiculata)
Nutrush locally called in our dialect Da-at, this grass has sharp edge, it can easily bruise human skin and bleed without even knowing that you've touch it.
Photo of Nutrush credit to phyto educ
