Family: Melastomataceae
Arthrostemma ciliatum, commonly known as pinkfringe, is a tropical shrub native to Central and South America. It produces bright magenta flowers and soft, velvety leaves, which can make it attractive in gardens. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates and can grow quickly in disturbed or moist areas, forming dense patches that are highly visible when in bloom.
In Hawaiʻi, pinkfringe has become naturalized on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island and is considered invasive. It spreads aggressively through tiny seeds, allowing it to outcompete native plants for sunlight, nutrients, and space. Its dense growth can disrupt native plant communities, reduce biodiversity, and alter natural habitats. Pinkfringe also colonizes forest edges and wet areas, increasing the risk of further spread into sensitive ecosystems. Because of these traits and its significant ecological impact, pinkfringe is not recommended for cultivation, and care should be taken to prevent its introduction or spread in gardens and natural areas.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized on Oahu and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands)
- Weedy habit in native range
- Environmental weed in Hawaiian Islands, threatening endangered plants
- Medicinal, but may cause diarrhea if eaten in excess
- Shade-tolerant
- Sprawling growth smothers smaller plants in pastures and along forest edges
- Reproduces by seeds
- Small seeds likely dispersed along trails, and possibly by water or wind
- Forms a persistent seed bank
- Gaps in biological and ecological information limit accuracy or risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Provides fodder to deer in native range
- Ornamental
- Herbicides provide effective control (e.g. foliar applied triclopyr at 1 lb/acre)
