Memecylon umbellatum, commonly known as ironwood, anjani (Marathi) or alli (Telugu), is a small tree found in India, the Andaman islands and the coastal region of the Deccan.

The leaves contain a yellow dye, a glucoside, which is used for dyeing the robes of Buddhist monks and for colouring reed mats (Dumbara mats).

[2] Historically, this plant was burnt as fuel in the production of Wootz steel.

That is why it is called Ironwood (or possibly because of its important historical role in the production of Wootz steel).

Flowers are blue coloured and produced in cymose umbels.