Family: Melastomataceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Melastoma malabathricum (Indian rhododendron, Malabar melastome) is a flowering shrub native to the Seychelles, tropical and subtropical Asia, and northern to eastern Australia. It is valued for its striking purple-pink flowers, colorful berries, and ability to grow in a wide range of environmental conditions. This species is commonly planted as an ornamental and has also been used in traditional medicine in parts of its native range. Indian rhododendron typically grows as a dense shrub with velvety leaves and can thrive in disturbed sites, open forests, roadsides, and wet areas. In Hawai‘i, it has become naturalized on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and Hawai‘i Island.

Risks & Threats
Although attractive, Melastoma malabathricum is considered a high risk species in Hawai‘i because it is naturalized, possesses traits that are cause for concern, and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. The plant produces abundant seeds that may be spread by birds and other animals, allowing it to establish quickly in natural areas. It can form dense stands that compete with native vegetation, especially in disturbed habitats and along forest edges. Its ability to thrive under a variety of conditions increases the risk of further spread into sensitive ecosystems. Because of these concerns, planting this species is discouraged, and choosing a low risk or native alternative is recommended whenever suitable alternatives are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized outside native range (no evidence in Hawaiian Islands to date. Melastoma septemnervium now recognized as naturalized (Melastoma malabathricum (Misapplied)]
  
• A disturbance-adapted weed that impacts agriculture
  
• Other Melastoma species are invasive
  
• Potentially allelopathic
  
• Unpalatable to browsing animals
  
• Potentially indirectly toxic if heavy metals are accumulated in vegetative material
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• May hybridize
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Reaches maturity in <1 year
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, frugivorous animals, intentionally by people, and probably unintentionally as a contaminant in soil, agricultural crops, or attached to footwear or equipment
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Seeds can persist in soil for at least 2 years
  
• Able to resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Light-demanding pioneer plant
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control