Common Names: Indian Rhododendron, Malabar Melathstome

A spreading shrub from India, grown as an ornamental in some countries. The 1/4" berry-like fruit is covered with a scaly calyx filled with seeds surrounded by red, sweet, astringent pulp that is eaten fresh. The sour young leaves are cooked in stews. The fruit yields a black dye, the roots a pink dye.