Family: Melastomataceae
Tibouchina lepidota (glory bush, alstonville) is a medium sized tree native to South America. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree for its bright flowers, often used in urban landscapes in South America. The plant also has medicinal value. The flowers are edible and sometimes used in fine dining establishments. There are no reports of naturalization with this plant, but it also has never been widely introduced outside of its native range. There is cause for concern with this plant in Hawaiʻi however, due to its wide elevational range (up to 1000 meters) and ability to thrive in tropical climates. All other Tibouchina species in Hawaiʻi are on the Hawaii State Noxious Weed list.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Other Tibouchina species have become invasive, and all are listed as Hawaii State Noxious Weeds
- Host of Cryphonectria canker, a pathogen also found on Eucalyptus species
- Pollen may be allergenic to some people
- Tolerates shade at early stages of growth
- Tiny seeds (0.5 mm long), if produced, can be dispersed by winds and possibly accidentally
- Tolerates repeated pruning and cutting (and therefore may be difficult to control without use of herbicides)
- Limited ecological information makes accurate risk prediction difficult
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Ornamental
