Rose-myrtle

Rose-myrtle is a plant native to southeastern Asia's tropical and subtropical regions. Its leaves are smooth on one side and velvety on the other, and its pretty flowers - pink in colour and similar to peach blossom – are prized for their ornamental beauty. The rose-myrtle's Japanese name, Ten nin ka , is made up of noble characters describing it as "the flower of celestial beings". For centuries, Chinese, Vietnamese and Malaysian traditional medicine has used all the different parts of the plant – the leaves, stems, fruit and even buds – to treat many ailments. The sweet-tasting fruit can be eaten whole or used in tarts, jams and preserves. Rich in flavonoids, this fruit has significant antioxidant power.