Tibouchina

Tibouchina ( /ˌtɪbuːˈkaɪnə/)^[1] is a genus of about 350 species of neotropical plants in the family Melastomataceae. They are trees, shrubs or subshrubs growing 0.5–25 m tall, and are known as glory bushes or glory trees. They are native to rainforests of Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, especially Brazil. The name comes from an adaptation of the native Guiana term for these shrubs.

Selected species

Cultivation

Several species are cultivated for their large bright flowers. As tropical plants they are rather cold-sensitive, and should be raised in a greenhouse wherever temperatures fall below 8 °C to 10 °C.

One species, Tibouchina lepidota 'Alstonville', known for its brilliant display of flowers in late summer and autumn is common in many parts of Australia.

Invasive potential

All Tibouchina species are considered noxious weeds in Hawaii^[2] because of their high potential for being invasive species.^[3][4][5]

References

1. ^ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
2. ^ Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 4 Department of Agriculture, Subtitle 6 Division of Plant Industry, Chapter 68, Noxious Weed Rules (http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/adminrules/AR-68.pdf, cited 05 February 2007)
3. ^ Tibouchina urvilleana: Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk project [PIER] data (http://www.hear.org/pier/species/tibouchina_herbacea.htm, accessed 05 February 2007)
4. ^ Plants of Hawaii reports: Tibouchina longifolia (http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/tibouchina_longifolia.htm, accessed 05 February 2007)
5. ^ Plants of Hawaii reports: Tibouchina urvilleana (http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/tibouchina_urvilleana.htm, accessed 05 February 2007)

External links

• Flora Brasiliensis: Tibouchina