Family: Melastomataceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Melastoma sanguineum, commonly known as red melastome or fox-tongued melastoma, is a flowering shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is valued for its striking reddish-purple flowers, velvety leaves, and ornamental appeal in tropical gardens and landscapes. This species typically grows as a dense shrub and is adapted to warm, moist environments. In some regions it has also been used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental planting for erosion control or habitat enhancement.

Risks & Threats
Melastoma sanguineum is naturalized in Hawaiʻi and possesses traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. The species can spread beyond cultivation into disturbed areas, forests, and roadsides, where it may form dense thickets that compete with native vegetation for light, space, and nutrients. Like other invasive melastomes, it produces abundant seeds that may be dispersed by birds and other animals, increasing its ability to colonize new habitats. Its spread could contribute to declines in native plant diversity and alter ecosystem structure and function. Because of these risks, it is recommended that gardeners and landscapers choose low risk or native alternatives whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Hawaii
  
• Environmental weed; forms dense thickets
  
• Congeneric weeds exist (M. candidum, M. malabathricum)
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Bird-dispersed
  
• Dispersed by other animals (external, gut passage)
  
• Dispersed intentionally (ornamental) and unintentionally (roadsides, hitchhiking)
  
• Tolerates partial shade
  
• Fast-growing; matures in <4 years
  
• Compatible pollinators present in Hawaii

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans
  
• Not a fire hazard
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• No wind or water dispersal adaptations
  
• Likely controllable with herbicides
  
• Biological control agents present (efficacy unknown)