Scientific name: Miconia calvescens

Classification: Kingdom Plantae. Class Dicotyledonae. Family Melostomaceae

Origin: Introduced

Status: Efforts underway to eradicate of control populations

Distribution: Kaua`i, O`ahu, Maui, Big Island

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This is currently one of Hawaii's major plant pests. It outcompetes other plants and grows into dense stands that block out light to smaller native plants. It was originally introduced as an ornamental because of the beautiful purple underside of its huge leaves. Unfortunatly, it produces hundreds of tiny seeds that are eaten by birds and are dispersed into native forests through bird droppings..