Family: Melastomataceae

Form: Evergreen shrub or small tree; irregular, oval and globose in shape, reaching 15 ft in height

Leaves: Simple, opposite, parallel veins, pubescent

Stem/Bark: Light brown, thin, multiple trunks

Flower: Bright purple, 5 petals with 10 purple stamens borne in terminal panicles

Fruit: Small capsules

Comments: Related species T. granulosa is also used in the Florida landscape but easily distinguished by having larger leaves and larger panicles of inflorescences.