Family: Melastomataceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pleroma granulosum (purple glory bush) is a large evergreen shrub or small tree native to Bolivia and southeastern to southern Brazil. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental because of its striking display of large, vibrant purple flowers, attractive foliage, and long blooming season. Purple glory bush is commonly planted as a specimen plant, hedge, or landscape accent in tropical and subtropical gardens, where it is valued for its rapid growth and showy appearance.

Risks & Threats
Purple glory bush is naturalized on Oʻahu and possesses traits that are cause for concern in Hawaiʻi. It produces abundant seeds that are readily dispersed by birds and other animals, allowing it to spread beyond cultivation into forests, roadsides, and other natural areas. Once established, it can form dense stands that compete with native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and potentially altering tropical island ecosystems. Because of these invasive characteristics, planting this species may contribute to its continued spread. Where possible, choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping. In areas where purple glory bush is already widespread, avoid planting it near natural areas and manage existing plants to prevent further spread into new locations.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (250–3000 m elevation)
  
• Naturalized in Hawaiʻi (Oʻahu)
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Resprouts from cut stems/logs
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Widely cultivated (intentional dispersal)
  
• Prolific seed production (~760 seeds/fruit)
  
• Potential persistent seed bank
  
• Tolerates pruning/mutilation
  
• Congeneric species are invasive noxious weeds

Low Risk Traits:

• Not documented as a weed elsewhere
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic
  
• No allelopathy or parasitism
  
• Shade-intolerant (requires full sun)
  
• No unintentional dispersal (not a contaminant, not bird/animal dispersed)
  
• Not a fire hazard