4961. 75 - 300 mm lens. Singapore Rhododendron

 

 

 

 

 SINGAPORE - 20 FEB 2026: 10.34am. The "Singapore Rhododendron" (Melastoma malabathricum), also known as Sendudok, is a hardy native shrub common in Singapore's parks, forests, and roadsides. It is renowned for its vibrant pink-purple flowers. 

Canon R5, 300mm, 1/1600 sec,f/5.6, ISO 1600 

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The "Singapore Rhododendron" (Melastoma malabathricum), also known as Sendudok, is a hardy native shrub common in Singapore's parks, forests, and roadsides. Despite its name, it is not a true Rhododendron but is renowned for vibrant pink-purple flowers, edible fruits that stain the mouth black, and medicinal uses for wounds and stomachaches. 

Key Characteristics and Facts:

• Appearance: A shrub growing up to 
  

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   tall with bright pink-purple (rarely white) flowers that feature distinct stamens.
• Habit: Flowers bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon.
• Wildlife Impact: A vital plant for biodiversity, providing food for birds (e.g., bulbuls, sunbirds) and acting as a caterpillar host for butterflies like the Common Sailor.
• Medicinal & Culinary Uses: Known in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, stomach aches, and wounds. Young shoots are edible, and fruits can be made into jams.
• Native Habitat: Common in open, sunny, and disturbed areas, often pioneering in secondary forests. 

Often confused with the actual Rhododendron, this plant is technically part of the Melastomataceae family. It is widely used in Singapore for ecological restoration due to its fast growth and ability to prevent soil erosion.