Family: Melastomataceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pleroma heteromallum (today-tomorrow tibouchina, Tibouchina multiflora) is native to French Guiana, eastern Bolivia, and Brazil, where it grows in tropical forests and other warm, humid habitats. This evergreen shrub or small tree is valued for its attractive foliage and abundant flowers, which open in shades of purple and gradually fade to lighter lavender or pink, creating a multicolored display. Its long blooming season and ornamental appeal make it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens, specimen plantings, and mixed ornamental borders.

Risks & Threats
Pleroma heteromallum is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi. There is no evidence that it has become naturalized or invasive in the Hawaiian Islands, and it has not demonstrated the aggressive growth, prolific spread, or ecological impacts associated with invasive plants. As with any non-native ornamental, it is good practice to monitor cultivated plants and prevent the improper disposal of garden waste into natural areas. When grown responsibly, this species can be enjoyed as an attractive landscape plant with minimal risk to Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Congeneric weed (related species are invasive in Hawai'i)
  
• Shade tolerant (full sun to full shade)
  
• Frequently introduced intentionally as an ornamental
  
• Native to tropical/subtropical climate

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized
  
• Not a weed (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic or allelopathic
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• Few dispersal vectors (no water, bird, animal, or produce-contaminant dispersal)