Durban Early Detection and Rapid Response

Tibouchina Mutabilis Tibouchina mutabilis

Create Sighting

Select Invasive
Invasive Location
Confirm Sighting
Common Name
Tibouchina Mutabilis

This Brazilian shrub or tree grows to about 15 m tall. The bark is smooth and grey. Twigs are mid-brown and square, with a slight wing on the ridges. Young parts are densely covered with brown hairs. Leaves are dark green and matt above and paler and slightly glossy below. They are elliptic, taper to the base and apex, and reach about 110 x 50 mm. There are five semi-parallel main veins diverging at the base and converging at the apex. The main veins are sunken above and raised below. The transverse veins are indistinct. Leaves are leathery and mostly smooth, although some specimens feel slightly rough especially when dry. Hairs are fairly sparse, with white hairs on the leaf underside and longer brown hairs on the main veins. The petiole reaches about 20 mm, is channelled above and is covered in fairly dense, long, brown hairs. The flowers are large and showy and appear in summer. They open white to pale purple and age to pale magenta. The hypanthium is covered in silky, silvery-white hairs.

Tibouchina mutabilis
Tibouchina mutabilis
Tibouchina mutabilis
Why is it a problem?
T. mutabilis grows in wet places in sun and shade including wetland margins and riverine forest. The species shows potential to be quite invasive.
Where is it a problem?
It is known from at least three sites in Hillcrest where it is being controlled.

Identifying other species


The iSpot experts may be able to provide a name.


                                                                                  To view the SAPIA newsletter visit this link.