Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Solander ex Aiton) Hassk., Flora 25, 35 (1842)
Latin for 'shiny hairy'.

Synonyms
Myrtus tomentosa Solander ex Aiton

Description
Shrub up to 5 m tall and 5 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves opposite, simple, penni-veined with conspicuous marginal vein (giving tripli-veined appearance), hairy and whitish below. Flowers ca. 14 mm diameter, white-pink-purple, placed in the leaf axills, with many protruding anthers. Fruits ca. 14 mm long, green-reddish-black, berries.

Ecology
In open landscapes and shrubby kerangas, often near the coast but also up to 1000 m altitude. On poor sandy soils.

Uses
The wood is used to carve small objects. The roots can be used against stomach ache and diarrhea, and as poultice at child-birth. The fruit is edible and can be used for jams and tarts, but also medicinal against diarrhea.

Distribution
Tropical Asia, Australia and western Pacific. In Borneo throughout the island.

Local names in Borneo
Bekakangal, Kemuntian, Kemunting, Keramunsing, Keramunting.