Rhodomyrtus tomentosa

Common Name: downy rose-myrtle

Family: Myrtaceae

Common Synonyms: Myrtus tomentosa

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8b - 11

Growth Habit: Shrub

Origin: Asia

FISC Category: 1

FDACS Listed Noxious Weed: Yes

Introduction Date: Prior to 1924

IFAS Assessment:

• North: PROHIBITED
• Central: PROHIBITED
• South: PROHIBITED

Description

Evergreen shrub to 2 m in height. Young stems have short dense hairs. Leaves are opposite, entire, elliptic-oval, glossy above and densely tomentose below, with three dominant veins originating from the leaf base. Attractive rose-pink flowers, 2.5 cm across with five petals and a tuft of numerous stamens. Fruits are dark purple, globose, edible berries, 1.3 cm across.

Habitat

South Florida pine flatwoods

Comments

Introduced for ornamental value and edible fruit. Blooms profusely in spring. Fruits are sweet, likened to huckleberries.

Control Methods

• Manual: NA
• Chemical: Basal bark or cut stump: 10% - 20% Garlon 4. Foliar: 1% Aresenal + 2% Roundup
• Biological: NA

Control Notes

NA

References

Dave's Garen 2017. Downy Rosemyrtle, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/32109/#b

Langeland, K.A., H.M. Cherry, C.M. McCormick, K.C. Burks. 2008. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas-Second Edition. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville.

Langeland, K.A., J.A. Ferrell, B. Sellers, G.E. MacDonald, and R.K. Stocker. 2011. Integrated management of non-native plants in natural areas of Florida. EDIS publication SP 242. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.