Family: Melastomataceae

Melastoma septemnervium (Asian melastome) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Native to Vietnam, southern China, Philippine Islands, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, and southern Japan. This plant is commonly grown as an ornamental. It is reported to be naturalized on O’ahu, Kaua’i and Hawai’i Island. This plant is capable of forming dense stands in bog and mesic environments, crowding out and threatening rare native plants. It is shade tolerant, which gives it the unique advantage of being able to invade forest ecosystems. It spreads rapidly by abundant seed production and easily moves around on footwear, equipment and vehicles.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kaua'i, O'ahu and Hawai'i Island
  
• An environmental weed that invades native forests, threatens rare native plants, and impacts carbon cycle
  
• Other Melastoma species are invasive
  
• Shade tolerant (invades native forest understory)
  
• Forms dense stands
  
• Reproduces by prolific seed production and by vegetative spread
  
• Hybridizes with other Melastoma species
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, and probably by attachment in mud to footwear, equipment and vehicles

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• No reports of toxicity
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control