Chaetogastra grossa

Chaetogastra grossa, synonym Tibouchina grossa, is a species in the Melastomataceae family that is native to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.[1] It is found between 2400 and 3800 meters in elevation.[2] Also called "red princess flower" or "carmine princess flower" to differentiate it from "princess flower" which has purple blooms.[3][4]

Chaetogastra grossa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Chaetogastra
Species:
C. grossa
Binomial name
Chaetogastra grossa
(L.f.) P.J.F.Guim. & Michelang.[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Chaetogastra lindeniana Planch.
  • Chaetogastra muricata (Bonpl.) DC.
  • Chaetogastra reticulata (Bonpl.) DC.
  • Melastoma grossum L.f.
  • Purpurella grossa (L.f.) Triana
  • Purpurella muricata (Bonpl.) Naudin
  • Purpurella reticulata (Bonpl.) Naudin
  • Rhexia muricata Bonpl.
  • Rhexia reticulata Bonpl.
  • Tibouchina grossa (L.f.) Cogn.
  • Tibouchina reticulata (Bonpl.) Cogn.

Description

The plant is a small tree or shrub growing between 6 ft - 16 ft tall. The leaves are dark green and fuzzy with pronounced parallel veining. It blooms year-round and the bright to dark red flowers are about 3 in. It prefers cooler climates, but is not frost tolerant, and full to partial-sun. It is uncommon in cultivation.[3]

The petiole is 5 to 10 mm in length; Leaf blade, thick, elliptical or ovate-elliptical, 5 to 6 cm long by 1 to 3 cm wide; acute at apex, obtuse or rounded at base. Inflorescences paucifloras terminal in branches and twigs. Brown fruit, in capsule, with several tiny seeds.

References
  1. "Chaetogastra grossa (L.f.) P.J.F.Guim. & Michelang." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  2. Tropicos entry for Tibouchina grossa
  3. Strange Wonderful Things - Red Princess Flower
  4. Tibouchina grossa seed listing
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