Rhodomyrtus Species, Downy Rosemyrtle, Rose Myrtle

The state of Florida has prohibited this as a noxious weed.

The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council has listed it as a Categ...Read Moreory 1 invasive species.

Seed collecting is not recommending because the birds already do an excellent job of spreading this very invasive plant, and they don't n...Read Moreeed any help from humans.

It was brought to Florida as an ornamental, but like so many exotics we bring in because we think they are pretty, there are no natural controls in our desirable climate. They just reproduce and take over natural areas with huge thickets, allowing nothing else to grow. They are fire resistant, so can't be burned out. Fire only encourages them by killing off their competition and giving them more space to grow.

I should mention that the leaf surface is shiny but the backs are downy, which explains the foliage description.

They are a Category I Exotic Pest Plant in Florida, especially south and central counties. PLEASE DON'T PLANT THEM IN FLORIDA, and you had better be careful elsewhere.