Hawaii's Most Invasive Horticultural Plants

   
Indian rhododendron
Melastoma candidum

(Photo credit: Lani Stemmermann)


Other names:Melastoma malabathricum, Malabar melastome
Description: Erect shrub or tree up to 16' tall with 1.5-4.5" elliptic leaves and clusters of 2 to 7 1" 5-petaled pink flowers.
Risk areas: Moist and wet areas, bog margins, up to 3000 ft. elevation.
WARNING:Indian rhododendron belongs to the Melastome Family, many members of which have proven invasive in Hawaii and elsewhere. All members of this family should probably be avoided in horticulture.

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