This is not grown as often as the T. urvilleana, but although the flowers (which grow on spikes) are smaller, they are the same intense purple. To me the real attraction is the leaves, which are larger than T. urvilleana. Visitors always want to touch them because they're so striking in appearance. T. heteromalla is a shrubbier type, and does not grow as tall as its relative. It's said they don't like windy spots; mine is sited where it gets some wind but so far has survived nicely.
Attached is a picture showing the growth of T. heteromalla from a 1-gallon pot in Oct 2002 to its current growth as of Aug 2003.
