Species Overview

Native to: Tropical Asia

A serious invader in the Pacific Islands, its U.S. distribution is limited to Hawaii and Florida. Downy rose-myrtle was introduced into Florida in the 1920s as an ornamental, and quickly escaped cultivation becoming a serious pest. It is fire-resistant, resprouting rapidly after being burned, and it forms dense stands in pinelands and other habitats.

Species Characteristics

Family: Myrtaceae

Habit: evergreen shrub to 2 m in height. Young stems have short dense hairs.

Leaves: opposite, entire, elliptic-oval, glossy above and densely tomentose below, with three dominant veins originating from the leaf base.

Flowers: Attractive rose-pink flowers, 2.5 cm across with five petals and a tuft of numerous stamens.

Fruit/Seeds: dark purple, globose berries, 1.3 cm across. Each fruit contains as many as 200 small seeds.

Distribution in Florida: South and Central Florida

Impacts

This fast-growing plant spreads by seed drop and wildlife that consumes the berries. It has been described as spreading and taking over the understory of native pinelands, and potentially altering the natural fire regimes of southern Florida. Dense monocultures crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity.

Do not plant.

Replace in the landscape with native plants. Resprouts prolifically after fire.

None known.

Basal bark or cut stump (individual plants): 10–20% Garlon 4. Re-treatment may be necessary. Foliar: 1% Arsenal + 2% glyphosate product or 2 quarts Vanquish/acre in 50-gallon spray volume.

Consult your local UF IFAS Extension for further assistance with management recommendations. Additional information can be found in the EDIS Publication Integrated Management of Non-Native Plants in Natural Areas of Florida.