A melastome bush growing over a garden shrub in Pukalani, Maui.
Melsastomes have a distinct vein pattern and capsule fruit
Identification:
Asian melastome (Melastoma candidum) and red melastome (Melastoma sanguineum) are two related weedy shrubs that are difficult to tell apart. Flowers have 5 to 6 pink or light purple petals. Fruits are 10-17 mm (2/5-3/4 in) long and will DRY and SLIT OPEN AT MATURITY to reveal 5 or 6 cells full of seeds. Both melastomes are currently only known to grow in a few locations in Maui County (upcountry East Maui, see map.)
Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta):
Koster's curse is a widespread pest in Maui County. This shrub 0.5-3 m (4.9-9.8 ft) tall with leaves 5-16 cm (2-6.3 in) long and 3-8 cm (1.2-3.1 in) wide. Leaves are covered in STIFF HAIRS.
Glory Bush (Tibouchina urvilleanea)
Tibouchina (Tibouchina urvilleana and Tibouchina herbacea):
Tibouchinas are also widespread pests in Maui County. This shrub is 3-4 m (10-15 ft) tall with velvety leaves covered in soft hairs. These leaves have the same characteristic 3-5 arching veins as Koster's curse and the melastomes. Flowers are large (127 mm or 5 in) and deep purple with noticeable LONG YELLOW (T. herbecea) or PURPLE (T. urvilleanea) ANTHERS. FLESHY FRUITs are smalller than the melastomes and do not split open at maturity.
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