Morphological Characterization of Memecylon sp. (Melastomataceae) collected from Nglanggeran Mountain, Gunungkidul

Abstract

Widodo. 2015. Characteristics Memecylon sp. (Melastomataceae) from Mount Nglanggeran, Gunungkidul. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1: 969-973. Memecylon is a genus under the family of Melastomataceae. Memecylon sp. is found as key element vegetation at Nglanggeran Mountain, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. The growth life cycle of Memecylon is ranging from shrub to small trees with pliable and hard wood. The interesting feature for identification of this plant is fruit shape is very similar to the Duwet or Jamblang fruit, which is reddish in color at axillary. This flower has blue colored four petals. The aim of this study was to present the morphological characteristics of Memecylon sp. leaves, stems, flowers and fruit, collected from Mount Nglanggeran, for validated identification. The study was conducted through exploration and specimen collection. Identification was executed based on existing literature and herbarium which are explaining about Memecylon of Nglanggeran Mountain, representation of Memecylon caeruleum Jack. The distribution nature of this species indicates its importance as a constituent of vegetation. To get further benefits and inherent potentiality of this plant, the important footstep is to increase the awareness about resources and conservation of plant species.