Beautyberry is a plant which has hundreds of specie in the genus
callicarpa. It is an ornamental plant mostly found in home gardens for
decoration.
Beautyberry is native to east, Southeast Asia, Australia, southeast
America, and Central America.
Callicarpa macrophylla is specie which is majorly found from India to
Malaysia. And other species are distributed in other parts of the world.
Beautyberry is small shrub and the leaves are simple, opposite and grow
5-20 cm long.
The flowers of callicarpa are white-pinkish bearing in clusters.
The fruit is a berry which is 2-3 mm in diameter and pink-purplish
colour with glossy surface.
Beautyberry prefers well drained sandy, loamy and clayey soils with
acidic and alkaline nature.
The hardy zone preferred is 9 and majorly cultivated at altitudes of
Himalayas.
It is also found near swampy areas, waste lands and roadsides.
Leaves, fruit, root, wood.
Beautyberry has various medicinal uses as it is believed that decoction
made of leaves help in alleviating pain in rheumatism.
The tincture and decoction is also used in the treatment of diarrhea and
dysentery.
The root of this plant is useful in relieving rashes on the tongue if
chewed.
A poultice of root is curative in fever and its juice is thought to ease
indigestion.
The inner bark of the plant is used to apply on cuts and wounds.
The fruit berry is edible and consumed when ripened fully.